ONE-NAME WONDERS_The spectacular Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas has been drawing big names in entertainment since its opening in 2003. These icons are so renowned that they can leave their last names at the door. Joining the likes of Celine, Elton and Jerry Seinfeld, Caesars now welcomes two new one-name-wonders to the stage in 2008: Cher and Bette.

The Colosseum was built for Celine Dion’s show, “A New Day.” The 4,000-seat theater was modeled after the Roman structure, with fans no more than 120 feet from the stage. Spectacular theatrics and Dion’s one-of-a-kind voice quickly made the Colosseum a sight to behold on the Vegas strip. Since then, Caesars has set the gold standard for entertaining in the entertainment capital of the world. This is no small feat, but it is what guests have come to expect from the legendary Palace.

Elton John’s show, “The Red Piano,” has been amazing sell-out crowds with outstanding video imagery and stage props that replace the traditional costumes. Working with notorious photographer David LaChapelle, rich imagery of Hollywood and Las Vegas icons set the stage for an unforgettable look into Elton’s world.

Jerry Seinfeld, slated to perform Aug. 8 and 9, has also been an annual performer at the Colosseum. The sitcom and movie star, best-selling author and stand-up comedian’s unique brand of observational humor is a must-see show for those who like the dry Seinfeld sensibilities.

So, what does the next few years hold for the famed stage? How about Cher and Bette? Cher took the stage in May 2008 with her aptly titled one-woman show, “Cher.” The Oscar, Emmy, Golden Globe and Grammy award-winning performer has conquered it all in a career that spans more than 40 years. She fits the bill of colossal performers who have graced the stage of the Colosseum, undoubtedly the best in Las Vegas entertainment. The iconic songstress will perform 200 shows over a three-year period at Caesars. Fans of the over-the-top diva can expect an equally grand show.

“Cher’s name in one word encapsulates the icon, award-winning legend and captivating performer. There is only one home for someone of that legendary status — the most recognized casino brand in the world, Caesars Palace,” said Caesars Palace President Gary Selesner. “Caesars is pleased to welcome Cher back to Las Vegas’ most prestigious entertainment address, The Colosseum.”

A “Farewell Tour” ending in 2005 preceded her unexpected return, but we have not seen the last of Cher — her hits span over five decades and include “Believe,” “Strong Enough” and “If I Could Turn Back Time.” With a No. 1 record in each decade and a career that has flourished for years, Las Vegas should be a walk in the park for the singer. Now she joins the ranks of many legendary performers to showcase their talents at Caesars Palace.

“I started in Vegas, so I’ve come full circle,” said Cher. “I’m back and I plan to give my fans the best experience yet. I think everybody knows I only do things in a big way!”

Cher has come a long way since her last stint in Vegas at the Flamingo, opening for Pat Boone in 1969 as Sonny and Cher. Since then, Sin City has undergone some major changes.
“When we first started, we opened for Pat Boone, and there was nothing on the Strip,” Cher recalled. “There were the old clubs, the old hotels, and the town was still run by the mob. Everything is different now. You can go see entertainers, you can go see theater, you can go see Cirque du Solei … any fabulous entertainment is all there in one package.”

Like the chameleon herself, the addition of modern technology has reinvented Cher’s entire act. She calls her venture the most different show that has ever been put on there, but refuses to give away any surprises.

“Everything is new about it. There’s nothing from the old show, and we’re able to do things that we’ve never been able to do. We’re able to have technology that we’ve never had before, we’re able to put on a bigger show. More dancers, more aerialists, more costume changes. The theater at Caesars Palace is just an amazing place to work. If you can dream it, if you can think it up, you can do it.”

The show isn’t just about the music either. “Cher” offers fans a look into the superstar’s legendary career, showcasing her creativity, talent and colorful spirit. It also offers a look back into her past, featuring video footage from the last five decades including rarely seen Sonny and Cher clips.

New technology allows the star to do things she has never been able to do before. Known for her elaborate costumes, the icon and her cast of 18 dancers go through more than 140 costume changes in any given performance. Cher uses four costume assistants to complete a full wardrobe change in less than two minutes. The fashion designer of the show, Bob Mackie, is renowned for his sparkling and imaginative designs. Known as the “Sultan of Sequins,” Mackie helped Cher rise to stardom in the early 1970s with a variety of lavish, beaded and feathered ensembles. Outrageous, revealing and glamorous, Mackie’s designs are sure to captivate audiences.

Director and choreographer Doriana Sanchez brings Cher’s vision to life with 18 dancers and aerialists, state-of-the-art technology and large-scale set designs. An amazing 65-foot-wide steel bridge is the centerpiece on stage, weighing almost 20,000 pounds. Behind that, you will find North America’s largest indoor, high-definition LED screen, standing 34-feet-tall by 109-feet-wide and weighing in at 31 tons. Remarkably, the elaborate set takes a mere four hours to disassemble without the use of any tools.

“If you thought other shows were exciting, just wait until you see this one,” said Cher. “This show is me, but bigger. It takes some of my favorite elements from my touring shows and kicks them up a notch.”

When asked why, after so many years in the limelight, Cher continues to perform, the reason is clear to her. “I like performing. It’s who I am, you know? This is what I was meant to do, this is the only thing I know how to do.”

If comedy is your cup of tea, the Colosseum is also hosting Bette Midler in “The Showgirl Must Go On.” Premiering in February 2008, “Showgirl” features classic Bette at her best. With an array of comedic personas, Bette brings all sorts of characters to life in this visually stunning and energetic show. From Delores Delago, the wheelchair-bound mermaid, to Soph, the oldest living showgirl in Vegas, Ms. Midler has a penchant for portraying off-the-wall characters in this glitzy Broadway-style act.

“I’m really excited! I’m thrilled,” said the multitalented performer. “We’re coming with the biggest show we’ve ever done. We have feathers, we have rhinestones, we have sequins, and we have half-naked ladies! We’re gonna sing our hits, we’re gonna bring back our old characters, and we’re gonna have a ball!”

With her witty, brash style, Bette showcases her undeniable talent on a grand scale at Caesars. Sharing the same colossal stage used by Cher, Bette’s show is equally extravagant. In fact, she often jokes about the gigantic size of the stage during her show. The Colosseum stage is roughly 7,000 square feet. It takes 34 stagehands and crew to set up the stage throughout the show. Approximately 75,000 gold coins, all hand-painted, adorn the coin curtains and coin trees on stage.

Sharing the limelight with Bette are her dancers, known as the “Harlettes” and “Caesar Salad girls,” and a 13-piece band, the “Fat City Horns.” The “Caesar Salad” girls, directed by choreographer Tony Basil, undergo about two hours of hair and makeup before each show. During the show, there are a whopping 132 costume changes. That’s enough for each Caesar Salad girl, each of the three Harlettes, and Bette herself to change costumes six times.

Always a crowd-pleaser, Ms. Midler has a good idea of what her fans want to see when they come to Vegas.

“People always want glamour, glory and gold. They want lots of color and the latest in fashion. They want really wonderful arrangements and a great band … and we try to do that. I have a couple of characters that I drag with me everywhere. They are very funny, and crowds love those terrible jokes that they always tell. Mostly, it’s a lot of fun! It’s a full evening’s entertainment. It’s not just a concert, it’s a show.”

What makes the show unique is Bette’s stage presence and incomparable sense of humor. She is improvisational, and fans never know what to expect from this imaginative show.

“I’m looking forward to the next two years,” said Bette. “We’re gonna have a lot of fun, and it’s not gonna be the same ever, not ever. Every night is gonna be different.”

When asked whether Cher and Midler will compete for ticket sales, producer John Meglen is not worried by the similarity in demographics.

“I look more at the middle-America appeal,” said Meglen. “I think we’re looking at a universal ticket.”

Setting the standard for entertainment, both shows at Caesars are guaranteed to impress.

Bette will perform approximately 100 shows a year at the Colosseum. The show runs Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday through Sunday. Tickets are on sale now at the Caesars Palace Box Office, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-877-7BETTEM. Prices range from $95 to $250.

“Cher” is presented Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday nights at the Palace. She is set to perform nearly 200 shows in her three-year engagement with Caesars. Tickets can be purchased at the box office, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-866-510-CHER. Prices also range from $95 to $250.

Don’t miss these one-name-wonders at their best … only at the wonder of Las Vegas, the Colosseum at Caesars Palace.

source :southerngaming