Vegas headliners vs. Vegas press

A profile writer tries to shed light on a performer's life and career and describe to the curious what a new show or artist is bringing to Vegas. Obviously, as a reviewer, Weatherford's concern is in evaluating the quality of entertainment offered to the audience. In short, listening to Rich Little tell anecdotes backstage was fascinating and fun for Weatherford, but watching Little's show, well, not so much. Of course, this distinction can be confusing. But I think most readers are sophisticated enough to know the difference. The problem on Little's end seems to have more to do with a touchy headliner not liking a review than a strong sense that the reviewer was Judas.

 

Of course, Little is not alone; many performer egos are touchy. And Las Vegas is a very tiny town for residents involved in covering and performing Strip entertainment. We go to the same receptions, we see the same shows and work (or walk) the same red carpets. I've certainly been in Weatherford's shoes, lots.

 

You never know what will set a headliner off or even a lounge act. Two weeks ago I wrote a flattering column about Richard Cheese and Lounge Against the Machine. I love Cheese's show and have seen him perform about a dozen times. But in the article I described Cheese as "pear shaped."  The morning the story appeared, an irritated text message, sent just after 2 a.m., arrived from Cheese: "Richard -- I need you to have the phrase 'pear shaped' removed from that article without delay. Seriously, man, that's not cool." Not thinking he was actually "serious," I wrote back but never heard from him again.

 

A few times over the years, former Hard Rock headliner Jeff Beacher has been angry with items I've written on the Buffet for a variety of reasons. But his greatest fury was reserved for the time when I described in detail the maneuvering involved in Beacher's arranging a Paris Hilton interview for me. The point of the interview was to get Hilton's thoughts on Beacher, which were totally flattering. But Beacher was outraged that I had, in quoting Hilton, laid out the process designed by him for me to reach her: calling her bodyguard's cellphone to circumvent her publicist. He ordered me to take the item down or else. The item stayed up, as it was accurate. A short time later, Beacher had another story to pitch and the Paris Hilton interview imbroglio was never mentioned again.

 

Other people hold grudges longer.

The strangest conflict I have is with Harrah's headliner Rita Rudner. The reason it is strange is that I am clueless why I wound up on her bad side. I think her show is funny. But over the last few years Rudner has turned down a few requests to interview with me. At first I was told she was busy or that she had nothing to say on the topic I wanted to talk to her about. But after a few contradictions emerged, I was eventually told by her people that the problem was me. Why I was a problem was more ambiguous. Rudner and I had a nice meal once when I profiled her for a tourist magazine. And I don't think I have ever reviewed her show. But regardless, one thing was clear: Rita Rudner wanted nothing to do with me.

 

So, imagine my surprise last week when I got a pitch from Rudner's publicist, asking if I wanted to work with her to do a story on a PBS special airing Rudner's 2,000th show. One problem: I noticed that the note came from a newer member of the public relations firm that handles Rudner. So, as soon as I received the pitch last Wednesday from the publicist, I wrote back:

 

"I would be happy to interview Rita Rudner. In the past she has declined to be interviewed by me because I was told I have not been supportive enough. If her view has changed, I would welcome an interview."

 

So far no reply.

UPDATE: A few hours after this went up, I heard back from Rita Rudner's publicist. So, will Rudner finally let me interview her? Here is the note: "I apologize for my delayed response. I have requested an interview with Rita and will get back to you shortly." So, the mystery of Rita Rudner vs. the Buffet continues.