Las Vegas choreographer and director Tiger Martina is one of the stars of this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC, but he might not even be seen by cameras. That’s because he’s the brains behind some of the large-scale event planning and is responsible for dancers on one of the largest and major float attractions along the Manhattan parade route. This year’s parade is Macy’s 85th annual event and starts at 9 a.m. ET/6 a.m. PT on Nov. 24.
Here’s a preview of Tiger’s rehearsals in New York City with the dancers for the Office Max-sponsored float that he also created.
Tiger choreographed the dance numbers in David Saxe’s “Vegas! The Show,” which plays nightly at Saxe Theater in Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile Shops. It’s the story of the most dynamic and influential entertainers who made Las Vegas — from Keely Smith and Louis Prima to The Rat Pack, Elvis and Sony & Cher.
Tiger, who also is the show’s director, worked closely with producer David in development of the glitzy production, which stars my all-time favorite Las Vegas dancer Tara Palsha as the sultriest and sexiest stage star. Tiger has worked with everybody from Liza Minnelli to Adam Lambert and earlier this year on NBC’s “4th of July” special.
*For the fourth consecutive year, cast members of“Le Reve” at the Wynn, will perform at the 12th Annual Latin Grammy Awards tomorrow, joining several global superstars on Latin music’s biggest night at Mandalay Bay Events Center and airing on Univision. Rick Gray, GM of entertainment operations at Wynn, said: “Each year, we try to go above and beyond to deliver the wow factor that we are known for and blend it with the award-winning songs of Latin music’s biggest stars.” “Le Reve” was voted Best Show in Las Vegas in 2011 by the Southern Nevada Hotel Concierge Association.
Tonight ahead of tomorrow’s awards is the gala dinner and tribute to superstar singer Shakirahonoring her philanthropic, cultural and music accomplishments. Performers tonight includePepe Aguilar, Cristian Castro, Franco De Vita, Alejandra Guzman, Natalia Jimenezand Vicentico.
*Two young Jabbawockeez fans had theirMake-a-Wish Foundation dream fulfilled when they were given a private backstage meet-and-greet with the dance troupe. Eleven-year-oldJayden and 16-year-old Tamara and their families watched the headliner show “MUS.I.C.” at the Monte Carlo and then were lavished with gifts from the Jabbawockeez, including autographed masks.
Here’s an opportunity to raise funds for Make-a-Wish. From now to Dec. 24, Macy’s stores in Las Vegas are encouraging “believers of all ages” to write letters to Santa and drop them off — stamped and addressed to Santa at the North Pole — in their Santa Mail letterbox. For each letter received, Macy’s donates $1 to the foundation up to $1 million. The letter-writing campaign is part of the retailer’s annual holiday effort “Believe.” Go to Macys.com/Believe and click on Create Your Letter.
*The 14th Annual Duel in the Desert starts with practice runs today at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Saturday’s grand finale, a 40-lap feature, will pay $7,777 to the winner. The race has earned a reputation as the biggest IMCA race in the west because of last year’s duel, which had 232 cars entered on its first night. Duel in the Desert also is regarded as one of the most prestigious. Tech inspections and heat races take place tomorrow and again Friday with stock car practice added into the mix. Racing for the main eight shootouts starts at 5 p.m. Saturday.
Star Surveillance
Tables apart at Scarpetta in the Cosmopolitan last night: yours truly and Mike Tyson, who told me on the way out he’ll be front row at Saturday’sManny Pacquiao fight. … Imperial Palace headliner Frank Marino hosted the premiere of his episode of Bravo’s “The Millionaire Matchmaker” with a screening party at the sports book for family and friends, includingDestin Pfaff and Rachel Federoff, two of the cast members of the hit show. … And Taboo of theBlack Eyed Peas was at Lavo in the Palazzo last night listening to the sounds of DJ Michael Woods.
Tonight’s Tips
“Peepshow” star Holly Madison and Emily Jillette are two of the eight best and brightest women being honored by our colleagues at Vegas magazine for their charity work at a benefit at the Shoppes of the Palazzo. Holly represents Lili Claire Foundation and Emily our beloved Opportunity Village. … Singer Ginuwine hosts at LAX in the Luxor; his seventh and latest album is “Elgin,” and he’s set to star in “Life After Life” on TV One. … FHM has partnered with Gallery Nightclub in Planet Hollywood for theMiss Gallery 2012 lingerie model contest that starts tonight. Each week’s winner receives $500, and the overall winner after 12 weeks wins a photo shoot with photographer Laurens Antoine and competes for a national prize.. … Punk rockers Jack’s Mannequin is at House of Blues in Mandalay Bay. … Mates of State are at Cosmopolitan’s Book & Stage. … And Elena Papandreou is at the UNLV Classical Guitar Series.
Tomorrow’s Teases
We’ll have a preview of the big Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez fight and the all-star turnout for the Latin Grammys, with a photo gallery from Shakira’s gala celebration tonight.
Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.
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