Smith Center may book Broadway hit
Myron Martin admits he's on a mission: he's religiously working on booking "The Book of Mormon."
Martin, the president and CEO of the Smith Center for the Performing Arts , was in New York City last week talking with the agent for one of the biggest Broadway hits in years.
"We are certainly interested and I would like to think we are high on the list of cities where it is likely to come," he said .
He's been laying the groundwork to land the irreverent sensation.
About four months ago he met with the creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone of "South Park" fame, and the "Mormon" music team, while attending sessions of The Broadway League, the national trade association for the Broadway theater industry.
"The Book of Mormon" won nine Tony Awards this year, including best musical, best original score and best book of a musical.
The first national tour of "The Book of Mormon" is tentatively set for 2013 and 2014.
The Smith Center, which opens March 10 with "The Color Purple," offers a 2,050-seat venue and a guaranteed sellout over four weeks, Martin said .
"The Book of Mormon" isn't for everyone. "It's the rudest and funniest I've ever seen. I certainly wouldn't bring anyone under " He paused, than said, "40."
"If we bring it, we will bring it as a special attraction," he said, not part of the inaugural season Broadway package . It would be too raunchy for the crowd that would bring family to a lineup that includes "The Color Purple," "Mary Poppins," "Million Dollar Quartet" and "Memphis."
NEW LOOK FOR EVE
Houston-based Landry's plans for Beso include a "reconcept" for the nightclub Eve, according to Landry's owner Tilman Fertitta.
In a deal that left actress Eva Longoria with an ownership stake, Landry's took over management of the restaurant and nightclub last weekend.
"The restaurant never had a revenue problem," said Fertitta, no doubt boosted by its prime location at the main entrance to Crystals at CityCenter.
It was a management issue, he said, during a telephone interview.
"She's staying in," he added.
THE SCENE AND HEARD
The "Elvis Is In The Building" wrap at Aria (CityCenter) was taken down Thursday shortly after published reports that "Viva Elvis" would start a six-week hiatus to retool the Cirque du Soleil show. An MGM Resorts rep said, "We regularly rotate marketing vehicles." ...
KXNT Radio is dropping AM 840 as its brand, but "we are still broadcasting the identical programming on both AM and FM," said new program director Andrew Paul. "However, the station is branded as 100.5 FM KXNT, not as 840 KXNT." Tuesday is the one-year anniversary of the simulcasting. ...
Casey Hendrickson, who launched his talk show career by winning a KXNT "Radiostar" contest in 2005, is leaving KDOX-1280 AM/102.3 FM to join WTRC AM in South Bend, Ind. He'll be the morning host starting next month.
SIGHTINGS
Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins, celebrating his 21st birthday at N9ne Steakhouse (Palms) on Friday with a group that included teammate Tyreke Evans. ... Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns, spotted at the Rockhouse Ultra Dive Bar on Friday with friends. ... At Shadow Creek golf course on Saturday: Motown legend Smokey Robinson, golfer Lee Elder, the first African-American to play in the Masters (in 1975) and Steve Harvey, who is in town to emcee the Ford Hoodie Awards he founded.
THE PUNCH LINE
"After all the rioting in London this week, officials are worried that it could mean security problems for the Olympics next year. On the bright side, the guy running with the torch will just blend right in." -- Jimmy Fallon
Norm Clarke can be reached at 702-383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com. Follow Norm on Twitter @Norm_Clarke.
