Emmet Cracks AGT Top Ten By: Sam Wagmeister / People & Places The irony of Las <strong>Vegas</strong>’ entertainment scene was exhibited last month when fan favorite Cocktail Cabaret received two “Best of Las <strong>Vegas</strong>” awards and the show’s co-star, Daniel Emmet, finished in the Top Ten of America’s Got Talent. The two honors were sandwiched around the announcement of Cabaret’s closing October 13th Cabaret’s co-creator and producer, Keith Thompson, took a decidedly triumphant approach to the announcement. “Wow! This is just remarkable. Kudos to Caesars for taking a chance and relying on the raw talent of locals,” he said, referring to the show’s gifted cast: Nikki Scalera, Marren Wade, Eric Jordan Young and AGT contestant Emmett. After arriving in Las <strong>Vegas</strong> 15 years ago, Thompson made his mark as musical director for We Will Rock You, Hair Spray, The Producers and Jersey Boys. With the closing of Jersey Boys, he shifted gears. “The trend is not theatrical live entertainment but I have hopes for this community. We created Cocktail Cabaret out of necessity,” Thompson said, referring to creative partner, the show’s brilliant pianist, Philip Fortenberry During Cocktail’s run, Thompson observed junior cast member Emmet. “I watched him watch the other (more experienced) performers like a sponge.” AGT’s million dollar grand prize is awarded to the contestant receiving the most fan votes. With acts heavy on dance, pop music, magic, animal Balancing Yourself and novelty performances, the odds seemed stacked against Emmet. His operatic and Broadwayinspired repertoire appeals more to the Baby Boomer generation. Although Emmet received raves from the judges during early rounds, he failed to move to the next level. The public twice voted for his return. “A lot has to do with the performer’s story,” Thompson observed. Las Vegan Michael Grimm triumphed during the show’s fifth season, earmarking his winnings to build a home for his grandmother. AGT’s voters often choose performers “with a compelling story. They like triumph over adversity. What people don’t understand is they get involved in the reality show aspect.” The resilient Thompson is keeping close to the vest current works in production but remains optimistic that there will be new life for Cocktail Cabaret. “Hopefully it paved the way for the same type of thing.” Sam Wagmeister is The <strong>Vegas</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Nightlife Editor. He loves to hear from our readers. Please feel free to contact him via email: Las<strong>Vegas</strong>HomeTeam@Gmail.com. By: Heather Latimer / Heather’s Self-Help Hints My landscaper Nick confessed that when working on properties built Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail on slopes with steep driveways, (like mine) his men find it safer to turn of water. That nursery rhyme was written sideways and take wide side-steps as they go about their yardwork. centuries ago when those who dwelt in remote areas had no sanitation. In 1924, when a few new houses with all modern conveniences and large gardens were built in a remote village outside London, my newlywed parents moved from the big city to that beautiful English countryside. After I arrived and became a toddler, I was fascinated by everything. I remember seeing Sarah, a country lady who had become our “old retainer” (housekeeper, nursemaid, laundress, cook - all rolled into one). She was carrying a heavy bucket of water drawn from a well that was near her little cottage. I wondered why she gripped the bucket in one hand and reached out sideways with her other arm when she had nothing held in her hand. Of course I knew nothing about equalizing weight. Now I do! Should you walk up or down a slope or steep hill, and your whole body is wavering or tilting to the left, raise your right arm sideways, as high Heather Latimer is a nationally recognized specialist in making as necessary, to provide counterbalance (or vice versa.) If your legs difficult subjects easy and author of 17 books. Her biography, threaten to fail when you’re trotting around indoors or on other flat and latest book “How to Overcome Once-Easy Tasks That Are Now surfaces, extend both arms sideways. Pains in The You-Know-What,” are accessible on www.amazon. com/heatherlatimer/howtoovercomeonceeasy. 16 November 20<strong>18</strong>
17