Gaming executive goes undercover
An MGM Resorts International executive on Sunday night made his debut as the star of a TV episode on CBS' "Undercover Boss."
Scott Sibella worked secretly as a roulette dealer, blackjack dealer, front desk clerk and customer service rep. Employees were told he was filming other reality shows.
But he was wearing an unconvincing black wig he put on himself every day! CBS: You can't afford a stylist?
Sibella spoke frankly about MGM minutia. Front desk computers ran super slowly, making guests wait. He said unpleasant things about hotel carpeting. He wasn't thrilled with employees' smoking near the front door. He expressed doubts about raising kids in "adult Disneyland."
Sibella came across as an MGM exec with moral fiber, a red Ferrari and a loving family -- though when he worked, he looked like a deer in the headlights, apologizing awkwardly to roulette players for taking their money.
On Monday, Sibella declined a request for an interview.
So, the episode was dullsville. There was no drama or villain, but Vegas and the hotel were shown in a good light. Handpicked employees came off as sweet, hard workers who care about customers.
One employee identified only as Sandy, a guest services rep, took flowers to nursing homes on her lunch break.
In the final act, Sibella, a University of Nevada, Las Vegas alum in hotel administration, gave props to employees -- Sandy; Donn, a roulette dealer and Vietnam vet; Eddie, a blackjack dealer who rose up thanks to an employment agency; and Angelina, a smiling front desk worker. He gave them free vacations. It pays to know the "undercover" boss.
the SCENE AND HEaRD
The Palms has no comment about an online report that Britney Spears is performing a free concert for an MTV special Friday. ...
CBS said Monday it will again air the Daytime Emmys from the Las Vegas Hilton, on June 19. Last year's awards were like an hours-long commercial for Vegas. ...
Wynter Gordon sings "Dirty Talk" tonight at club Lavo. Rye Rye sings "Sunshine" Wednesday at Lavo after the restaurant debuts a new beer garden on the terrace. (Everybody's getting with the beer gardens.) "Dancing With the Stars" competitor Brooke Burke speaks Thursday at the Women's Philanthropy United luncheon, fashion show and silent auction at Aria, benefiting the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas.
SIGHTINGS
"Captain America" star Chris Evans saw "KA" Saturday and partied at Marquee while celebrating birthdays of ex-Boston roomies. They ate sea bass, drank shots, then gambled. ... Eva Longoria and boyfriend Eduardo Cruz took friends to see "O" Saturday after partying Friday at Eve with Mario Lopez. ... Brody Jenner and Longoria entourages ate separately Saturday at Sugar Factory. ... Alice Cooper and wife Sheryl did a 35th wedding anniversary dinner at Strip House. ... Jennifer Love Hewitt clubbed Saturday at Surrender after she and boyfriend Alex Beh saw "Love" on Friday with friends. ... Nelson Mandela's daughter Zindzi saw Bellagio pianist David Osborne on Saturday and asked him to be one of the performers at her dad's birthday in July. ... Killers' bassist Mark Stoermer ate at Hard Rock's Mr. Lucky's Sunday, then clubbed at Vanity, where Mark Salling of "Glee" was with Robbie Jones of the CW's "Hellcats" and Bon Jovi's David Bryan. Salling hosted at Pure on Saturday with 10 friends after eating at Social House. ... Mark McGrath and girlfriend ate Saturday at Lavo with friends, then clubbed at Tao. ... Drew Carey went Saturday to Surrender with a group: Was it 10 women? Nice.
Doug Elfman's column appears on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Contact him at delfman@ reviewjournal.com. He also blogs at reviewjournal.com/elfman.
