Stirling Club Members Are Up For Fun And Nunsense!

"A hail of fun and frolic ... Nunsense, like the holy mother church, is a bona fide institution." — New York Times

When Broadway is too big to visit The Stirling Club, Stirling members get together to look for Broadway. This weekend, members will find it at a special engagement in the Las Vegas Hilton Saturday, Nov. 13.

Nunsense, the award-winning, wacky musical comedy starring The Little Sisters of Hoboken, will present their hysterically funny musical that won four Outer Critics Circle Awards, including Best Musical during its 10-year run in New York.

A Quick Undressed Rehearsal Of The Delightful Show.

If you haven't heard of the story before, it begins when Sister Julia, Child of God, accidentally poisons 52 of the sisters, and they are in dire need of funds for burials. The remaining sisters decide that the best way to raise the money is to put on a variety show.

Without a proper stage, the sisters do the only thing they can do. They take over the school auditorium, which is still set for the eighth grade production of “Grease.”

Fortunately, the sisters are not without talent. Reverend Mother Regina happens to be a former circus performer. Sister Mary Hubert is the mistress of novices. Sister Robert Anne is streetwise and smart. Sister Mary Leo is also a wannabe ballerina. And Sister Mary Amnesia is forgetful enough to be unforgettable.

Combined, these nuns will provide the perfect production to escape for a few hours, thanks to the talent and creativity of Dan Goggin, whose professional career began singing in the Broadway production of "Luther," starring Albert Finney.

Later, while appearing in a comic folk-duo called The Saxons, Goggin began writing the off-Broadway musical, Hark! By 1986, he was heralded all over the world for writing what can only be called a lot of Nunsense.

The Stirling Club Preshow Reception.

Stirling Club members and guests will meet at 3 p.m. in the Piano Lounge of The Stirling Club for a cocktail reception. Transportation will be provided to the Las Vegas Hilton and back. Reservations are required.

The show starts at 4 p.m. Tickets are only $32.50 per person and the reception, transportation, and premium seating are inclusive. After the performance, members will also enjoy a private meet and greet.

Let's Misbehave In Vegas: A Tribute To Cole Porter

Not everyone knows his name, but almost every generation knows his work. Broadway composer and songwriter Cole Porter has been covered by everyone, including artists like U2, Annie Lennox, and Shane MacGowan.

But even before that, the music and compositions of Porter had been made famous by Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Ella Fitzgerald, Gene Kelly, and Ethel Merman. His sophisticated, bawdy lyrics, clever rhymes, and complex forms have galvanized generations since his big Broadway break toward the end of the roaring twenties.

Let's Misbehave: A Tribute To Cole Porter At The Stirling Club.

Set in an exclusive club reminiscent of an upscale speakeasy, Las Vegas will become home for Broadway for one night (Thursday, Sept. 30). This exclusive dinner show performance will be modeled after an interactive radio show under the direction of EJG Productions, a nonprofit theater experience led by Edward Gryska and Brandon Klock.

"When Porter wrote these songs for Broadway, they were sung by young Broadway performers. Mary Martin, Gene Kelly, Ethel Merman and others were all in their late teens and early 20s," says Gryska. "So casting young performers will give you an idea of what it may have felt like at that time."


As a mock radio show performance, the young players will sing into the microphone and interact with guests. much like they might have on Broadway or in speakeasies during prohibition. The entertainment will include a popular selection of Porter favorites, including songs from shows such as Kiss Me Kate, Can Can, and Anything Goes.

As a tribute, Gryska has also included several quality compositions from lesser known shows, Let's Misbehave from Paris (Porter's big break on Broadway) and You Do Something To Me from Fifty Million Frenchmen, among them.

A Special Menu Created By Charlie Palmer.

Dinner service will begin 30 minutes prior to the start of the show. It includes a grilled petit filet and sauteed tiger shrimp, served with a horseradish pomme puree and pencil asparagus. The accompanying appetizer will feature autumn field greens and goat cheese fritter. Caramelized pear tart tatin will be served for dessert.

Admission for members is $59.95 and reservations are required as seating is intimate and limited. Members may call 702-732-9700. Non-members considering The Stirling Club are encouraged to call Kathleen Gustafson at 702-784-4603, pending space availability.

Legendary Entertainment At The Stirling Club

While The Stirling Club's own Kelly Clinton was attending "A Salute to Clint Holmes" Friars Club event in New York City with guests that included everyone from Lee Roy Reems to Liza Minnelli, she was honored as the recipient of the 9th Annual Bella Award for "Las Vegas Female Star & Entertainer."

"She is all that, and has been for many years. Accepting the award on her behalf were her close friend Lena Prima and mother, Ellie Clinton Issa. Holmes still is trying to get his eponymous play to Broadway and says the next likely venue is a 'major theater on the West Coast.' More to come, we can expect." — John Katsilometes, Las Vegas Sun

Congratulations Kelly, from all your friends at The Stirling Club. For those who don't know, the Bella Award is presented to outstanding people in Nevada for exemplifying a positive lifestyle, fashion, and entertainment. She joins a long list of amazing people including The Platters, The Coasters, and Andre Agassi.

Live Entertainment Every Wednesday Through Saturday.

In addition to hosting her own show on Saturday nights at The Stirling Club, Clinton serves as the entertainment director. As such, she is responsible for lining up all the weekly entertainment that seems easy to take for granted at the private club.

In addition to more than a dozen special guests in August, she had introduced members to Carmine Mandia, Mark O'Toole, Mark Verabian, Stephanie Calvert, Ronnie Rose, and dozens of other top entertainers. On Saturdays, it's not even uncommon for Clinton to pull entertainers from the audience and ask them to sing a few songs in the extremely intimate setting.

Who have some of these surprise guests included? Barry Manilow, Wayne Newton, Sheena Easton, Bill Medley, Jack Jones, and, of course, our favorite entertainer in residence ... member Clint Holmes. With such surprise guests commonplace, The Stirling Club continues to be one of the most unpredictable venues in Las Vegas. (In fact, Elisa Fiorillo, who normally performs on Saturday, recently took a temporary leave to tour with Prince.)

If you're visiting Las Vegas or are a resident and want to experience what it might be like to enjoy live performances with all the magic of a backstage after party, contact Kathleen Gustafson at 702-784-4603 for a guest pass. Gustafson will also be happy to arrange a complete tour of the facility.

CitizenEffect National Day Of Action.

While there is no event taking place in Las Vegas, The Stirling Club Courtier would like to give a shout out to CitizenGulf National Day of Action. This national event is taking place in 20 different cities across the country with event organizers hoping to raise funds for afflicted fishing families in the Gulf Coast.

Participating cities include Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Fredericksburg, Greenboro, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Mobile, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Francisco, Sanibel Island, San Jose, San Luis Obispo, Santa Monica, and Washington D.C. For specific locations, visit the Gulf Coast Benefit.

In lieu of attending one of these New Orleans-style events with live jazz, blues, or Zydeco music, please consider making an online donation to support this important effort. Proceeds will be used to help provide education to fishing families who lost their businesses during the Gulf Coast oil spill crisis.

The Most Entertainment On The Smallest Stage

While some wonder what to do after seeing some of the biggest names in Las Vegas entertainment, Stirling Club members know many post-concert shows and stopovers begin and end at The Stirling Club. For several years, The Stirling Club has become the place for entertainment greats to enjoy live entertainment four nights a week.

On occasion, big names and bright stars don't settle for just making an appearance inside the piano lounge. Many of them take to the stage for a song or an unscheduled set, much like they would at an impromptu jam session at each other's homes. What's the allure? The Stirling Club is already home to several headliners who set the stage for summer nights where anything is possible.

Scheduled Entertainment For June At The Stirling Club.

Wednesdays — Carmine Mandia
As a featured performer in Las Vegas, Philadelphia, and New York, Carmine Mandia has wowed audiences as Frank Sinatra in "The Rat Pack Is Back" and "Frank & Barbra - The Show That Never Was." According to BWW News Desk, Mandia will also be opening for Don Rickles at the Orleans as part of his "Shades of Sinatra" act that never tries to impersonate but always includes signature Sinatra favorites with the most beloved sounds from his era.

Thursdays — Stephanie Calvert
Most people know Stephanie Calvert joined Starship after playing for the popular Las Vegas band Love Shack. But what many don't know is that when Calvert isn't busy touring with the legendary Mickey Thomas, she makes her home at The Stirling Club. You can catch a vault video with Calvert and Starship performing White Rabbit.

Fridays — Ronnie Rose
Ronnie Rose, the smooth-voiced blues and pop singer who fell in love with Las Vegas a few years ago, attracts audience members like Motown legends Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy. He shares the stage with legends too. In 2002, Rose opened for for Earth, Wind and Fire.

Saturday — Kelly Clinton and friends
Las Vegas entertainer Kelly Clinton, who also serves as director of entertainment, headlines every Saturday night. On most nights, it's anybody's guess who might share the stage with her. However, even when Clinton is on her own, it's impossible to forget her performances. Here's one clip from a show two years ago.

In recent weeks, The Stirling Club has also hosted Konrad Brook, Elisa Fiorillo, and special guest Joey Gian. Members can expect more surprise visits during the summer months.

For visitors and area residents hoping for an invitation inside the most exclusive destination in Las Vegas, contact Kathleen Gustafson, executive director of membership, at 702-784-4603 or by e-mail via The Stirling Club Web site. Prospective members are sometimes extended a visitor pass to attend special events and/or try select services within the club.

Joey Gian Surprises Stirling Club Members

A few weeks ago, Joey Gian surprised Stirling Club members with an impromptu performance in the piano lounge. After enjoying Lena Prima and Kelly Clinton's performance, Gian joined in to sing several songs with the band.

The room was jumping as he belted out a blues song," said Clinton. "Then he jammed with singer Prima and yours truly."

If you're unfamiliar with the name, Gian is bet known for his role on the hit television series "Knot's Landing." But while he has also appeared in more than 25 television series and films, Gian's break came as singer in his early 20s on "Star Search." In between acting, he has toured the world as soul, blues, and rock/pop singer.

With Memorial Day weekend ahead, it seems fitting to share the music video "Here I Am" from his 2009 album of the same name. While the song highlights his rock/pop talents more than his more soulful hits "What If I Loved You" and "Return To Me," Gian is nothing less than amazing.



“When I’m onstage and the music takes over, I am in a state of true bliss," says Gian. "When I am singing, what you hear is the essence of who I am."

At the Stirling Club, everyone agrees. You can soon too. Gain recently wrapped a voice role along with Richard Gere, Chazz Palminteri, Luis Gomez, and Cyndi Lauper for the upcoming animated film "Henry and Me." The film is currently in post production.

Gian was happy to join the line-up in piano room, Clinton added. Members can expect more surprise appearances in May and June. Currently, Clinton is also auditioning members for an upcoming talent show on Friday, June 18. Members may call and schedule an audition by June 1.

The Stirling Club hosts live entertainment in the intimate setting of the piano lounge every Wednesday through Saturday. Live entertainment begins at 6 p.m. on weekdays; 8 p.m. on the weekend.

A Stirling Engagement With Jason Alexander

Robin Leach calls him laughs from start to finish. Ellen Sterling calls him motivational. And if you believe his bio, Tonya Harding says he turned her life around.

"All I can tell you is that it’s a laugh-a-minute riot — and that you get to see him naked!" — Robin Leach

Who is he?

Donny Clay, as performed by Jason Alexander, once better known as George Costanza from NBC's hit comedy Seinfeld, has quickly become one of the most highly regarded motivational speakers in the world today. In a send-up of Tony Robbins, Deepak Chopra, Dr. Phil and other motivational speakers as he helps you discover the YOU inside of you.

This Friday, March 12, Stirling Club members are invited to a special engagement with Alexander as Donny Clay as performs live in the SHI Showroom at Planet Hollywood. The event begins with a champagne reception at The Stirling Club and transportation is included.

Portions of the show include audience participation, which sets the stage for a truly memorable experience. The limited engagement at Planet Hollywood ends March 14. You can also stay up to date on his character, Donny Clay, on Twitter and via his fan club on Facebook.

His next known performance will be a one-night-only performance of Jerry Seinfeld Live at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills. The April event in California will raise funds for the Reprise Theatre Company.

Alexander has had a remarkably successful career. He has earned six Emmy and four Golden Globe nominations, an American Television Award, two American Comedy Awards for Best Supporting Actor in a Television Series, and a Best Actor nod from The Screen Actors Guild. Alexander has also appeared in scores of films, televisions shows, and stage plays, including a Tony-award winning performance in Jerome Robbins' Broadway.

Reservations for this Stirling Club event are required. The Donny Clay Experience is $70 per person (VIP tickets are typically $70-$99). The champagne reception, transportation, and premium seating is inclusive.

A Stirling Engagement With Human Nature

Every now and again, Las Vegas becomes home to an unexpected hit show that leaves the audience breathless, on their feet, and applauding for more. "Smokey Robinson Presents Australia's Human Nature – The Ultimate Celebration of Motown" certainly qualifies.

"When an act gets the room shaking -- for real -- does it really matter what a reviewer says?" Mike Weatherford, reviewer for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, asked when the show opened last year, before it went on to being named the best new show on the Las Vegas Strip.

Human Nature — featuring Toby Allen, Phil Burton, Andrew Tierney and Michael Tierney — is best known as a popular Motown vocal group in Australia after gaining ground as a support act for Michael Jackson and Céline Dion for their Australian and European tours in the late 1990's. By 2000, the band released a hit single that reached the Top 20 in the U.K. and a second best-selling single in Australia. Combined, they have 70 Top 40 hits and five Top 10 hits on the Australian pop charts.

In 2009, Smokey Robinson convinced them to come to Las Vegas, where they continue to rally audiences by word-of-mouth and stellar reviews. Find a sneak peek here.

This Feb. 18, Stirling Club members are invited to an exclusive engagement with Human Nature. The event begins with a champagne reception reception at The Stirling Club before being transported to the newly remodeled showroom at the Imperial Palace.

"I will be the host for the musical event you won't want to miss," said Kelly Clinton, entertainer and entertainment director. "I saw the show and I can't wait to see it again."

Immediately following the 7:30 p.m. performance, The Stirling Club has arranged a meet and greet with the talented quartet. It is a rare opportunity to shake hands, ask questions, get request autographs with these talented entertainers.

The meet and greet will not be the only opportunity to rub elbows with the group. They have a long history of hopping off the stage as they sing memorable renditions of songs, ranging from The Temptations to The Supremes.

While there are rumors the group will remain in Las Vegas for another two years while entertaining plans for a new album and tour toward the end of 2010, this is the best chance to see a live performance in Las Vegas with friends. Reservations for the event are required. The event is $40 per person (tickets are typically $60-$70).

New Year's Eve 2010 In Las Vegas

Las Vegas will once again be home for America's Party to ring in 2010, with fireworks confirmed to launch from the rooftops of seven resort casinos — Aria, Caesars Palace, MGM Grand, Planet Hollywood, Treasure Island, The Stratosphere, and The Venetian. The best outdoor viewings will likely be between Tropicana Avenue and Flamingo Road or near the intersection of Spring Mountain Road and Las Vegas Boulevard.

Without question, Las Vegas is one of the most diverse New Year's Eve destinations in the United States. The celebrations range from gatherings on the Las Vegas Strip to countless nightclub events, concerts, and parties. Prices range from "free" to hundreds of thousands of dollars. To demonstrate the diversity, here are five places to ring in the New Year. Enjoy.

Five Places To Ring In A Las Vegas New Year

The Stirling Club. The Stirling Club will feature a signature 4-course New Year's Eve dinner as well as a special menu in the piano lounge. Entertainment includes Las Vegas' legendary singer-songwriter Early Clover. He began his career as a lead singer with Cornell Gunter's Coasters and has performed with greats that include the Drifters, Platters, Marvelettes, Little Richard, and The Temptations.

The evening will be commemorated with a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Reservations are required; member admission is $95 per person.

The Gold Lounge Club. Cirque du Soleil headlines with special guest DJ Spins at one of the newest venues on the Las Vegas Strip inside the recently opened Aria. The event will begin at 9 p.m. and continue to 4 a.m. Hors d'oeuvres will be served. Tickets are $125 per person (subject to increases) and include a VIP entrance, hosted bar, and champagne toast at midnight.

LAX Nightclub. LAX at the Luxor has booked the Grammy Award-winning Black Eyed Peas to ring in the New Year. While tickets are $300 per person, LAX is also offering table reservations that range from $8,000 to $60,000 for parties between ten and 100 people. The entry level table reservation ($8,000) includes three bottles of Belvedere, two bottles of Dom Perignon, and admission for up to 10 people on the lower floor.

XS at Encore. The nightclub at Wynn is one of the chicest social scenes in Las Vegas, with two levels, poolside ambiance, and signature 10-foot chandelier that rotates above the dance floor. Doors open at 9 p.m. with an open bar through 10 p.m. Although XS doesn't have an "official" headliner, the club is well known as a favorite among the friends of Steve Wynn and Victor Drai. General admission is currently set at $75 for ladies and $150 for gentlemen.

Fremont Street Experience. While other venues are expected to sell out, The Fremont Street Experience provides an "always open," casual Las Vegas-style event with up to 30,000 people expected to attend. At the heart of the event are eight tribute bands covering INXS, Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Aerosmith, U2, Depeche Mode, and No Doubt. The performances begin early at 6 p.m. and conclude at 1 p.m. Admission is $10 for residents and $20 for out-of-state guests. Mayor Oscar Goodman will lead the countdown to the New Year, which features live and virtual fireworks.

For more New Year's Eve options and events, members are invited to call The Stirling Club concierge. All guests are encouraged to make reservations as soon as possible as these events and limousine rentals tend to sell out by New Year's Eve. It's also recommended that guests confirm dress codes as many venues strictly enforce them.

Some Secrets Inside Las Vegas Are Too Good To Keep

While the general rule for Las Vegas entertainment tends to be bigger is better, there are a few secret places where those rules don't apply. One of them is The Piano Lounge inside The Stirling Club.

On any given night when the guest list might include Kim Kardashian or Robert Duvall, entertainment requires a level of intimacy that most stages cannot accommodate.

“The intimacy and elegance of The Piano Lounge encourages the audience to interact," says Kelly Clinton, who headlines every Saturday at the exclusive Las Vegas Stirling Club at Turnberry Towers. “As a performer, you feel as if you are entertaining friends in the comfort of your own living room, with plenty of room to dance and always a lot of laughter.”

Clinton ought to know. While she insists her living room bears no resemblance to the lounge, she knows how to host a personal and unforgettable event. In fact, in addition to being an entertainer for entertainers, Clinton is responsible for some of the best known but little told impromptu jam sessions ever held in Las Vegas. Just a few recent surprise guests from the audience have included Bill Medley, Jack Jones, and Gordie Brown.

It all depends, she says, on who happens to be in the audience. And for Clinton, anybody and everybody might be in the audience. In fact, her consistent ability to draw entertainers to her show every Saturday night led to another opportunity. In between her work as a singer, actress, comedian, and impressionist, Clinton has become the club's entertainment director.

“As entertainment director, I am fortunate to have the opportunity to bring in talented and experienced musicians to this unique setting,” said Clinton. "Currently, we have one of my favorite singers, Elisa Fiorillo. She travels all over the world on tour with Prince. But when she is in town, she is a regular on 'Saturday Night Live.'”

According to Clinton, hosting friends is half the fun. Club members agree. In addition to Clinton's talents —she has also worked as a background singer for Engelbert Humperdinck, shared the stage with notable stars like Wayne Newton, and headlined at several resorts in Las Vegas — she has also earned a stellar reputation for bringing the best to a smaller stage. Just recently, in fact, she secured Early Clover from the Coasters to cover New Year's Eve.

The difference is in the venue. While Vegas is well known for hosting headliners at expansive venues like The Colosseum or The Pearl, there is something to be said for a setting that places entertainers within a few feet of every guest, and celebrities (sometimes) at the same table. Rather than just seeing legendary entertainers, guests share the experience with them.