Roadhouse stars not in order: Star-Christie Copeland, Dancers- Nathaneal Nusso, Paige Melanson, Corinne Pereira, Tribute Artists- Richard Hampton (Kenny Rogers), Sandy Vee Anderson (Dolly Parton) and Dave Hoover (Tim McGraw), Ronnie Delaney (Bartender) Tim Simerien (Band), Scott Sanford (Band), Dan Nielsen (Choreographer) Jim White (Eureka Casino Production Manager) Gino Venezia (Director/Producer), Not Shown: Assistant Producer Barb Vaccaro. Photo by Teri Nehrenz
Sandy Vee Anderson portrays Dolly Parton in the Roadhouse Show which was performed at the Eureka Hotel on Thursday, November 6, 2014. Photo by Teri Nehrenz
Roadhouse show members gather around audience member Lyn Smith while Kenny Rogers tribute artist Richard Hampton gives her a little something more to remember him by. Photo by Teri Nehrenz
Mesquite United Methodist Church Choir: ( Not in Order) Cathy Petrus, Ted Ung, Diane McClure, Diana McKinney, Karen Ransdell, Margie Shaver, Rick Shaver. Photo by Teri Nehrenz
On Thursday, November 6 a little bit of Vegas came to the Eureka Casino in the form of the Roadhouse Show.
Venezia Entertainment has been bringing professional Las Vegas performers to the Mesquite Community Theatre Stage for many years so it was no surprise that the Eureka promoters turned to Venezia to help launch a new adventure for the underutilized stage in the Casino’s buffet.
For the inaugural show the Eureka promoters and Venezia chose Venezia’s “Roadhouse” show which apparently was a great choice considering a two performance show sold out 4 or 5 times. Yes, you read it right; the show which had a 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. performance time sold out many more than what would seem possible.
Originally the show was set for 100 seats and it sold out very quickly so they added 50 more seats which sold out yet again in practically no time at all. In true casino style the Eureka promoters decided to “Bet the House” and as is usually the case, the house won big. They sold out the afternoon show at 200 seats and the evening show still at 150. The show was a huge success for both Venezia Entertainment and the Eureka Buffet.
Gino Venezia is the show’s producer, director and developer. Venezia describes the show’s premise by saying, “Every town has a “Roadhouse” type of saloon. So many times country music stars launched their careers in Roadhouse Saloons just like this. Huge careers began in these little roadside bars and that’s what this show is all about.”
Country music fans from around Mesquite gathered in this new entertainment venue and had grand ole time enjoying the professional tribute stars brought to Mesquite straight from Las Vegas along with dancers Nathaneal Nusso, Paige Melanson and Corinne Pereira who took a break to spend some considerable time for this show learning brand new choreography specifically choreographed for this stage and this show.
Venezia enlisted the talents of Award-Winning choreographer Dan Nielsen. Nielsen brought his 40+ years of entertainment experience with him when he choreographed the extremely complex comedic act and dance number for “The Wind” which Venezia bragged that his “Roadhouse Dancers” amazingly learned (roughly) in only one hour; he even produced the camera phone video to prove it. Venezia didn’t lower his standards one bit when he enlisted Stacy Petteruti to choreograph “We’re here for the Party”; dancers, teachers, producers, Eureka Promoters all get and A+ for this show.
Tribute artists brought to life the songs of Dolly Parton (Sandy Vee Anderson), Kenny Rogers (Richard Hampton) and Tim McGraw (Dave Hoover) wowed the audience with their spot on performances.
Kenny Rogers tribute artist Richard Hampton even gave a little extra thrill to Ohio visitor Lyn Smith when she posed for a picture with the cast and he leaned over to give her a little kiss on the cheek. Smith who is out here visiting her daughter said she didn’t expect to see such a great Vegas-style show right here in the small town of Mesquite, Nevada. Smith said, “My goodness, what a treat to see such a show here and not have to drive all the way to Las Vegas not to mention pay the prices of seeing the shows there. I loved every single moment of Roadhouse, especially when I got a kiss from Kenny Rogers. The artist was wonderful and quite handsome. I’m thrilled to have been able to see this show. It was FANTASTIC!”
Look for The Eureka to be doing quite a bit with their new found entertainment venue treasure. The first on the list is a community Christmas Concert which is scheduled to be held on December 11, 2014 and will include as many of the community groups that would like to participate.
Venezia Entertainment isn’t stopping here with the Roadhouse Show either. The show is presently in the workings to be even bigger and better. New dance numbers are being added with more dancers and new tribute artists will be added to the overall show, not to mention the addition of a few more local actors to perform some character roles and of course Mesquite’s favorite Bartender Ronnie Delaney will be serving up the drinks once again in February.
The inaugural performance was a learning experience for everyone and a project in the works. It started off quite a success for those who want to give this brand new entertainment venue a go. With the folks at the Eureka at the helm and Producers such as Venezia Entertainment bringing in the shows, they can’t miss.
