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Wayne Newton's 'Once Before I Go' at the Tropicana draws stars, fans and veterans

Stephen Thorburn's photo
Las Vegas Event Photography Examiner
 

Wayne Newton opened his new show Once Before I Go at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino on Wednesday October 28th with a star studded red carpet and gala after party.

Newton sings the show's title song 'Once Before I Go', but it is by no means an indication that this entertainer's career is over. The much beloved singer/showman and  Las Vegas icon is not about to fade away anytime soon. His voice may have seen better days, but his appeal hasn't faded for audiences eager to experience the performer live on stage.

Once Before I Go chronicles the life and career of Wayne Newton from his early days through stardom with his ups and downs. In recollecting some of his showbiz highlights, Newton presents old video clips from TV appearances; as a guest on The Lucy Show, performing a medley with Dean Martin and a duet with Sammy Davis Jr. He speaks fondly of his close friendship with President Reagan; how Bobby Darin gave him the song “Danke Shoen” that turned into a mbecame Newton's signature song and also reveals words written on a note to him by Elvis Presley, that is emotionally wrenching. There is a segment that highlights his involvement with the USO and performing for the troops over the years. Newton showed his musical versatility by playing several instruments including the guitar, electric violin, banjo and piano.

The red carpet arrivals for Wayne Newton's Once Before I Go included Tropicana Chairman and CEO Alex Yemenidjian, Dancing With the Stars professionals Cheryl Burke (Wayne’s dancer partner on the show, a few seasons back) who made a special on stage appearance, Edyta Sliwinska, Alec Mazo, Anna Trebunskaya and Jonathan Roberts, Wheel of Fortune star Vanna White, TV game show host Wink Martindale, Cheetah Girls star Sabrina Bryan, singer/entertainer Louis Prima Jr., comedy magician Murray SawChuck, pianist Wes Winters, impressionist Rich Natoli, actor-comedian Drew Carey, Peepshow star Holly Madison, strip performers Carrot Top, Dirk Arthur, Nathan Burton, Zowie Bowie, Frank Marino, cast members from Jersey Boys, Phantom - the Las Vegas Spectacular and Tracy Davis, daughter of Sammy Davis Jr.


Wayne Newton

Carrot Top
Carrot Top

Dirk Arthur
Dirk Arthur

Drew Carey and Holly Madison
Drew Carey and Holly Madison

Frank Marino
Female Impersonator Frank Marino

Jersey Boys
Cast of Jersey Boys

Murray Sawchuck and Stacey Smithson
Murray Sawchuck and Stacey Smithson

Comedy Magician Nathan Burton
Comedy Magician Nathan Burton

Vanna White
Vanna White with Alex Yemenidjian

Rich Natoli
Rich Natoli

Wayne Newton with Cheryl Burke
Wayne Newton with Cheryl Burke

Kristi Holden and husband David Walrod
Kristi Holden with Jason Martinez of JERSEY BOYS

Tracy Davis
Tracy Davis

Edyta Sliwinska
Edyta Sliwinska

Anna Trebunskaya and Jonathan Roberts
Anna Trebunskaya and Jonathan Roberts

Wes Winters
Wes Winters

Wink Martindale
Wink Martindale

Zowie Bowie
Zowie Bowie
 

Since 2000 Wayne Newton has shown his support and appreciation for the men and women in the military by performing with the USO for troops stationed around the world in war zones from Viet Nam to Afghanistan. Later, in honor of Veterans Day, over 100 wounded veterans from across the country were flown in to see a performance his show and afterwards were treated to a meet and greet by the gracious star. The following day Wayne hosted a special outdoor luncheon on the grounds of his palatial ranch estate, Casa De Shennandoah, in southeast Las Vegas.

What impressed me the most is the genuine outpouring of love for this Las Vegas icon from his fans and from those in the entertainment business who know and have worked with him over the years. I too have come to develop a lot of respect and admiration by what I have learned about Newton from his show and from talking with those who know the entertainer and by witnessing how he entertained and greeted our wounded veterans.
 

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, Las Vegas Event Photography Examiner

Stephen Thorburn is a 28 year resident of Las Vegas with a background in graphic art, video, animation and web design. He currently is employed as Manager of Graphics, Animation and Video for a major Las Vegas casino.Stephen is always busy covering entertainment as it happens in Las Vegas...

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