I'm fortunate to meet the greatest performers in my travels and occasionally we become fast friends. One of the nicest and most talented is my friend Jeff Tracta who has done everything from being a popular TV soap star to headlining on Broadway. On Oct 7, 2011 he opened for Liza Minnelli at the famous Las Vegas Hilton.
I flew out for the opening evening and it was classic "show" like Vegas is supposed to be. Jeff rocked the capacity theater with his amazing voice and hysterical impressions of all our favorite TV characters. You're all going to be hearing very big things from my uber-talented friend. I scored fantastic seats second row from the stage and dead center so I was only feet from the performers.
Liza was every inch the megastar you'd hope she would be. Very petite, but I think in very good shape (for the shape she's in!.. with a hip and knee replacement) she held the audience spellbound for about 90 minutes. While her voice may not have the range, etc. as when she was 25, her showmanship and command of the stage was really breathtaking. You really had to pinch yourself to believe you were seeing her as she presented so many of her signature songs including "New York, New York", "Liza with a Z", and of course her Oscar winning, "Cabaret". What an evening!
Jeff and his producer, John McEntee, really spoiled me by inviting to an amazing after-party with the gliteratzi which was held in the same penthouse suite, now redecorated, where Elvis lived during his record breaking stay at the Hilton.
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| The fireplace in the Hilton's penthouse suite |
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| Over-the-top hospitality |
Guests such as Robin Leech, television producers and other VIP's enjoyed fine hospitality with one of the best views Vegas has to offer. Talk about a magical evening!
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| With my friend and world-class magician, Murray Sawchuck |
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| Super-star Jeff Tracta with his friend Marc Cherry, creator and writer of Desperate Housewives |
