They did it again!
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They did it
again!
Index
Intro
Decor Hallow-EDEN
Beaux-Arts
Ball
Halloween Night
Tabu
Encore
Fuel Interview
Behind the Masks at Nightmare on 54th Street
by VegasEd!
Blood. Nightmares.
Freaks. And that’s just the staff at Studio 54! Halloween week in
Vegas at Studio 54 is one of the biggest weeks of the year for the club,
bringing a set of bone-chilling expectations. Making such an extravagant and
ghoulishly fun celebration starts behind the scenes, in the crypts of MGM
Grand’s famous venue.
Diving in like a vampire into a fleshy neck, I was able to taste the blood and sweat put into making the haunting week everything its patrons expected. You see, Studio 54 management had given me permission to spend the week among the ranks to uncover what lies beneath and deliver it to you.
The “Week of Freaks, Fetishes and Frightening Excess” included Hallow-EDEN, the 37th Annual Beaux Arts Ball, the infamous climatic Nightmare on 54th Street on Halloween and an encore evening. Each night was itself a self-standing event, but bundled together became a feast for those living and dead.
Taking a look at last year’s events should not only give you an insight into what happened, but should wet your appetite for this year also, knowing that the crypt is already stirring with even bigger plans for 2004.
As Milner pointed out some of the feature décor to all, everyone was particularly in awe of the gigantic mirrored black widow spider suspended over the middle of the dance floor. True to 54 form, the skeletal remains of several aerialists swung from the rafters, apparently victims of a performance gone awry. Using second-hand props from other MGM properties, such as red drapery from the former Olio Restaurant (MGM) to create a gothic feel to the VIP dance floor upstairs, showed the ingenuity, creativity and budget-consciousness demeanor of the decorative crew. Yet another recycled piece was the mask of the former EFX show (which closed to make way for the newest Cirque du Soleil show to open in the fall of 2004) hovering over the dungeon-oriented VIP booth in the corner by the elevator. Not even the sacred VIP area was spared a Halloween touch in this nightmarish wonderland, housing its own active electric chair, ready to eliminate any patrons who snuck beyond the velvet ropes without credentials.
Outside, the front door entrance demanded attention in the dome of the casino, beckoning its patrons to come inside, if they dare. Screaming faces embedded within the rocks of the castle-like entrance would have even made Freddy Krueger proud. To further entice those in the area, live go-go dancers and stilted goons entertained those who chose to remain outside the confines. (below)
Rising from the grave to start the week off, Mike Milner (Executive Director) charged his team of witches, goons and goblins to make this year’s Halloween week all that the hyped up crowd demanded and more. “Let’s make this one for everyone to remember”, he proclaimed in a pre-opening staff meeting. By introducing the special performers and this year’s Halloween Week “virgins”, he instilled a feeling of family and teamwork into the staff. Particularly of note was the addition of quite a few make-up artists and dancers from the recently defunct Siegfried and Roy show at The Mirage, MGM’s sister property. Finally, prior to pointing out details of the featured décor, Milner made sure to give praise to the team of builders and decorators who had spent weeks preparing for Halloween.
Unlike most Tuesdays, where locals tend to arrive after midnight, tonight’s crowd was keen to the special performances and began showing up around 10:30pm. As the name implied, tonight was actually a hybrid night with the first half devoted to the Halloween performances and the second half being the weekly EDEN (Erotically Delicious Entertainer’s Night), featuring the infamous “Garden of Eden” aerial recreation beginning at 2:00am.
The Halloween performances were insanely entertaining, although one could see the first night jitters backstage. Prior to the first performance, there was a look of intense mental focusing, along with physical limbering, among the dancers as they used the wall-length mirror to make last minute make-up and costume adjustments. As the stage door opened, excitement filled the air as they scurried out and over to the stairs leading to the stage located in the center of the club. All the elements and professionalism of a full-scale show were in place. This is MGM, after all, one of the entertainment leaders, so why would you expect anything less?
Michael Jackson’s Thriller was the obvious inspiration for the first number, mimicking its snappy moves and intricate synchronicity. (below) The numerous hours of practice put into making this eye-catching opening number were evident and the crowd gave its approval. Immediately afterwards though, one could hear the performers reviewing their mistakes and mis-cues once they arrived in the haven of backstage. “Good start guys”, an encouraging Milner remarks.
The second performance was truly an original collaboration, fusing the freaky Frankenfurter (The Rocky Horror Picture Show) with the even more freaky purple royalty of Prince (or whatever he calls himself these days). Backstage, moments prior to the number, Frankie Moore used a photo of the legendary Tim Curry character as his guide as he finalized his “look”. As he had done in years past, Moore played a pivotal role for Studio 54 during Halloween Week, not only acting as one of the feature stars for this number, but also acting as co-host for the Halloween night festivities on Friday. Executive Director, Milner, puts it into perspective, “we have done Halloween without Frankie when we had to, but to have him here truly completes our week. It’s just not the same without him, he makes it Halloween.”
Beginning with the madman’s “subjects” chained along the sides of the dungeon-esce backdrop, Moore drops down from the ceiling on the lap of another male subject in Studio 54 grandness. After an impressive rendition of “Sweet Transvestite”, he begins an onstage transformation with the aid of several female subjects. During this time, the crowd is treated to quite a diversion in a high-energy dance number (below left) that would merit its own piece in any other venue, but at 54 it merely acts as a bridge between the Frankenfurter and the Prince characters. Emerging from the bowels of the stage, the newly transformed star breaks into “I Will Die 4 U”, the name foreshadowing what was to come. As the shocking finale, a noose drops from the ceiling and proceeds to pull his twitching body back up into the rafters. (below right) It was so morbid and entertaining that at the conclusion, I even spotted the grim reaper applauding the performance.
In between performances, I stalked the VIP Hosts like the headless horseman looking for his missing cranium as they coordinated quite a show themselves. Justine Julian, Casey Baugess and Carla Quinn juggled a gamut of topics as they act as liaisons between VIP customers looking to get escorted to their private areas, club management, security and the pesky media folks like myself. (VIP hosts Justine and Casey below) The barrage of people coming at them from all directions hits them like a blood bath in the movie Carrie. Thank goodness, they don’t have her powers, because I am sure there are a few times during the night where they would be tempted to use them. All that aside, the VIP Hosts at 54 are top notch, always aware of their “onstage” presence in the public eye, fighting through the stress and challenges with smiles on their faces on a nightly basis. It’s no wonder celebrities like FUEL come to Studio 54 during their down time (see FUEL story at bottom)
VIP Hosts here and throughout Vegas have certainly become the front line of customer service for the ever-changing Vegas nightlife. They are empowered to provide multiple levels of service to multiple levels of VIPs, so tipping them well can often hold the key to future accommodations. Of course, during my visit, I jumped to get on their good side by showing up with a round of Starbucks (cough cough brown noser). “It’s all about the tables and bottles these days” Justine informs me, “and people are planning more knowing this, because when we run out of tables, we run out of tables…and there isn’t much we can do sometimes.”
37 years ago at the Stardust Hotel, the entertainment industry, including the likes of Sammy Davis Jr. Ann Margaret and Joan Rivers, decided to have its own Vegas Halloween party for “insiders only”. The resounding success of the party began an annual tradition which included stops at the Desert Inn, Caesar’s, Union Plaza, The Sahara and the Palladium Club. Attendees of the annual event have included Sonny & Cher, Connie Stevens, Mel Torme, Robert Goulet, and even Elvis himself was rumored to have made an appreance. Once the Ball’s founder, Mark Tan, passed away his daughter, Tracy Tan made a decision to use the Beaux Arts Ball (BAB) as a charity event. Making its home at Studio 54 for the past few years, the BAB is now open to the public and raises funds for Golden Rainbow, a Vegas based organization dedicated to helping those living with the HIV virus.
Elaborate costumes and performances is an understatement. In the town were “more is more”, last year’s BAB did not fail to deliver a frolicking one-two punch. “Tonight is going to be a beautiful night”, Milner tells me, “It is a fashionably late crowd, but you will see how extravagant and wonderful the crowd is. My favorite part about tonight is that 100% if the door goes to Golden Rainbow”. “And all the tips too!”, the eager VIP host, Julian, interjects with her Bostonian smile. Milner continues “It is so nice to be able to help the community in this way, as well as carry on the Beaux Arts Ball tradition. We feel honored.”
Around
midnight, after the 54 Cast warms the crowd up with a few performances, Marilyn
Monroe herself (well, ok, it was female impersonator Jimmy Emerson)
proved to the crowd that some do indeed “Like it Hot”. (below left) From
that point on, Emerson took the reins as King, er, make that Queen of the Night,
introducing numbers by Folies Bergere, Club Paradise and Chippendales
among others. In between numbers, DJ Lisa Pittman tended to the decks,
keeping the freaky crowd moving. (below right)
Costume contests were scattered throughout the night like blood from a fresh chainsaw massacre, paying $1800 in prizes to the “Sexiest”, “Best Group”, “Best Overall” and of course, “Best Drag”. The drag contest was so heated that I think I actually saw cat claws come out at one point. In my opinion, one of the best things about the BAB is the sense of community one felt. At one point, host Emerson actually polled the crowd asking how many gays, lesbians and straight people were present. Based on about a 25/10/65 break down (respectively), he countered with “OK, all you queens, you better behave, we are outnumbered here”. In all seriousness though, having a variety of ages, races, and preferences all celebrating life together is what made it such a “beautiful night” (to borrow the words of Milner).
“It’s Pimp
Jack!”, I exclaimed as I saw the eventual “Best Overall” costume
winner approaching the door front earlier in the evening. Complete with corn
rows and a Clown “Ho” that had the markings of yet another fast food chain
that I won’t mention (yet, her brother may be named Ronald), the entire dome
of the MGM Grand gawked and pointed in awe at the elaborate and professional
looking costume. (below) Obviously, tonight was a warm up for “Jack”, as I
saw him return the next night looking to claim an even bigger load (to no avail
however) Although my night ended around 4am, 54 kept open until around 5:30am
and ended up raising over $17,000 for the Golden Rainbow, making the
night a tremendous success for all involved and especially for the many living
with HIV.
Although Studio’s Nightmare on 54th Street didn’t open its doors until 10:00pm, that didn’t stop the hundreds and hundreds of ghouls, angels and the rest of the costumed parade from beginning to line up around 7:00pm. By the time the club was ready to open, the line wrapped around the entire dome of the MGM Grand, essentially a distance of about a fifth of a mile. Approximately half of the crowd was in costume and participating in the events of the night, while the other half seemed to be content in watching the first half. “Why pay top dollar to be entertained in a club when you can sit here and watch Halloween parade in front of you right here for FREE” remarked Cheryl Aruda, a local who seemed to be enjoying her low-budget, yet highly entertaining evening along with several friends.
Trumpeted as the Strip’s Most Fierce Halloween Bash, Studio 54, along with sister club, Tabu proved its stature by handing out over $10,000 in prizes in five separate costume contests. To have me get more in the spirit of things, 54’s GM, Travis Hunsaker, sent me backstage to “dress appropriately for the evening”. While getting his own face ghoulishly deformed with latex, Hunsaker directed one of the numerous makeup artists to create a “Night of the Living Dead” version of me, complete, with head gash. Being a professional makeup artist and used to churning out zombies one after another, I was “made up” in a mere ten minutes. With a basic black tee and black jeans on, the simple addition of a web-infested coat off the rack of costumes available in the backroom (below left) transformed me instantly into the “dead” beat writer I have often felt I was anyway (couldn’t resist that one, sorry). Maybe they should have added a pen coming out of the head gash to complete the look. Well, this year at least, it was apparent that the sword was mightier than the pen, but that gives us something to look forward to next year now doesn’t it?
To say tonight’s crowd was hyped up and in a celebratory, although somewhat inebriated state, is like saying Michael Myers has a slight mental issue. For the first few hours, I assisted the VIP Hosts in table reservation seating, as I had done previously, as well as being given a special job by management. “You get one of the most important jobs tonight”, as Milner handed me several boxes of colored wristbands. “We need you to help us find contestants for the costume contests.” After explaining that the green bands were for “Most Original” and gold were for “Most Erotic” (the two categories of contests to be held tonight), he went on to direct me to, “be VERY SELECTIVE. Only choose 8s, 9s, and 10s or we will be here all night with contestants.” Following directions and weeding through the crowd was much easier said than done, as people clamored around me trying to get a wristband. At about 12:45am, just a few moments behind schedule, the first costume contest began, crowning the top three (3) winners for the two categories mentioned. Offering back-to-back contests (first “Most Erotic” then “Most Original”), this format was to be repeated again several hours later.
At the conclusion of this round, however, it was off to Tabu, I went, along with several others, for their costume contest. Being the “Ultra Lounge” that Tabu is, you didn’t think this was going to be an ordinary contest, did you? After walking through the casino with many looks and comments from my costume, I was greeted at the door by Operations Manager, Candace Carrell.
Not JUST another Operations Manager, Carrell (below right) was named as one of the towns’ Women of Mass Distraction (WMDs) by VEGAS MAGAZINE (Premiere Issue, June/July 2003) as well as featured in their Desert Patrol Section in the more recent April 2004 issue. She, of course, comes from good genes, having been the former GM at 54. It was Carrell who had given me my first look at 54 back in 2001 and also gave me a personal tour of Tabu three (3) weeks prior to its opening back in February 2003.
She quickly recruited me to help her find some last minute contestants for the “Naughty Lingerie Contest” to be held about 20 minutes later. Tough job, but when duty calls, I am here to help. It’s unfortunate that Tabu’s bartenders or cocktail servers weren’t eligible or it may have been a cake walk for the model staff. Turning my efforts to Tabu patrons, Carrell and I scoured the ultra lounge for some ultra vixens. One of Tabu’s chic steel interactive tables acted as the stage as Studio54/Tabu Music Director, DJ Frankie (Frankie Anobile, also noted in Desert Patrol in Vegas Magazine, Winter 2003) “donned” his M.C. skills and hosted the contest. The contest heated up with finalists including the sexiest girl scouts you ever saw, FBI agents, Lil Bo Peep and various felines looking to claim top honors. After several rounds, an FBI “Strip Search” and a drag down mugging incident, it turns out the feds ended up on top (literally) and claimed the first prize. (bottom left)
Close to 2am now, it was back to 54 for the second round of the “Best Original” contest in which “larger than life”, stilted contestants seemed to dominate the competition. In the end it was the 12-13 foot “Diablo” finally defeating the 10-12 foot “Pirate of the Carribean” (above right). Not to be outdone in terms of creativity, the “Most Erotic” winner was a trio of contestants who used latex paint to “top off” their costumes, with not a stitch of clothing from the waist up. Only in Vegas.
By 4am, the witching hour had begun to pass and the crowds had thinned out, but the club continued churning out its energy until 6:00am. You would think Vegasites had seen it all by now, but a trip to Starbucks in the MGM Grand, still in my zombie attire, garnered a few glances. With a Chesire Cat grin, I look to the perky Barista and claim “I look like death before my morning coffee”. Her complimentary response of “Yeah, you do” seemed quite a fitting end to a frightful night.
Insane. The billing for November 1 accurately marked the feeling of yet, another night of Halloween Excess. Only here could one extend Halloween, with the encore performances, costumes and genuine feel of the annual gala to such perfection. Attending the Saturday night party at 54, one was almost time warped (and in Rocky Horror style, nonetheless) back 24 hours to the insanity that is Halloween. As I watched the final performance of this year’s Halloween celebration, Milner turned to me and claimed, “I like to give people something to look at when they come to Studio 54”. Indeed you have, Mr. Milner, indeed you have.
Whether due to its legendary history or its affiliation with MGM, one of the largest entertainment companies in the world, Studio 54 tends to draw stars and celebrities out in droves. Not only have such names as Hugh Hefner and John Travolta spent a night or two at the revived cultural icon, but many famous celebrities have even become “regulars”. Such is the case with Epic Recording Artists, FUEL, whom I had the pleasure of crossing paths with several times, both in the club and after a recent concert in Dallas, promoting their recently released compilation “Natural Selection”. It was during this event in Dallas on a warm October day when I addressed their allegiance to Studio 54.
At the beginning of the interview, as the band members, Brett Scallions, Jeff Abercrombie and Kevin Miller (Note: Carl Bell was not present during the interview) and I were getting settled, Kevin gathers some drinks (beers) for the others and offers one to me. As I was driving, I asked for a water instead to which he jokingly replies, “WATER?!?! THIS IS A ROCK AND ROLL BUS!! There is NO water! This interview is OVER!” Smiling as he hands me a bottle of water he adds a second punch remarking “Pansy”.
VegasEd!:
(still chuckling from “water incident”) I understand you guys have spent
a lot of spare time at Studio 54 in Las Vegas. What is it that attracts you to
the club?
Kevin:
The way we always feel so welcome. They provide the perfect level of service to
us and know how to treat VIPs.
Jeff:
Definitely the staff. They always treat us wonderfully. When we want to be left
alone, they keep people away from us. When we feel more social and are open to
the public, they let people come to us, as we allow. They constantly keep an eye
on us.
VegasEd!:
What staff members in particular make a difference to you?
Kevin:
It starts with Mike (Milner, Executive Director of Studio 54 and sister
club Tabu). He is the best. He is the kind of guy we love to just hang
out with and he always makes sure we are taken care of.
Brett:
Yea, sometimes we don’t even call him until the last minute and let him know
we are coming. He always makes sure we enjoy our time there.
VegasEd!: How long have you known Mike?
Brett:
I think about a year and a half now. Carl bought a house out in Vegas about that
time so we began to spent time in town and liked to go to 54 a lot at night.
Sometimes we would even just head to Vegas for a few days in between recording
our new CD.
VegasEd!: Besides Mike, what others staff members stand out at Studio 54?
Kevin: Justine.
All: (almost in unison): JUSSTTTIINNEEEE! (every one cracks a smile at this point)
VegasEd!: What is it about Justine (Julian, Senior VIP Host at 54) that makes her stand out compared to the others?
Brett: You mean besides her tight body? (chuckle)
Jeff: Justine runs that place! I mean she really does. She controls 54 and makes things happen. She always makes sure we are having fun and checks on us throughout the night.
VegasEd!: You mentioned 54 allowing you space and keeping you secluded from the public when you want. How do they do this?
Kevin: Well, you know how it is (obviously referring to a time earlier in the year in which I spent an evening with several group members in the VIP area as one of their “entourage”)
VegasEd!: So, its just a matter of security and keeping people on the other side of the velvet rope?
Jeff: It depends on our moods. Sometimes we tell them to let people come through so they can talk to us, but sometimes we just want to take it easy and relax. They can almost read our moods now and always keep checking back with us during the night. If there is an incident with a fan or something they always handle it with class.
VegasEd!: What about girls? You must have hoards of girls looking to party with you.
Brett: Casey (Burgess, another VIP Host) is THE MAN for the girls. Sometimes, we just tell him to go find some cool girls to hang with us and he always comes through. (the others shake their head in agreement)
Kevin: Yea, Casey IS the man for the girls.
VegasEd!: Yea, I have seen him scouting the line myself. So, if you were to sum up Studio 54’s biggest asset over other clubs, what would you say?
Kevin: The hospitality. The whole staff has the highest professional attitudes.
Jeff: Yea, it’s definitely all the people who work there. (Brett nods his support)
VegasEd!: I agree completely. Thanks for your time.
Kevin: Anytime, hope to see you out there (at Studio 54) again sometime.
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