When Frankie Moreno swivels his hips or shakes his leg, it’s as if, for a moment, the spirit of Elvis Presley has been conjured into the Stratosphere Theater. The singer and multi-instrumentalist makes no secret of his love for the King, regularly dipping into “Jailhouse Rock” or a cover of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” in the style of Presley. This week, however, it’s all about Viva Las Vegas, which opened 50 years ago on May 20. Regarded as one of Presley’s better flicks (admittedly not much of an accomplishment in an oeuvre that also includes Harum Scarum and Clambake), Viva Las Vegas was the film that got the tabloids talking, specifically about his affair with lead actress Ann-Margret. It also introduced “Viva Las Vegas,” a song that has become something of an unofficial anthem for Sin City. In a Las Vegas Magazine exclusive, Dancing With the Stars alum Lacey Schwimmer joined Moreno to breathe new life into some of the film’s most iconic images.
Frankie Moreno & Lacey Schimmer
Viva Las Vegas was the 15th of 31 scripted films Presley produced between 1956-1969—and his most lucrative. Its story centers around Presley as Lucky Jackson, a race car driver trying to get back on track, and Ann-Margret as the object of his affections. The iconic dance number “C’mon Everybody” was shot on location inside the gym of the Southern Regional Division of the University of Nevada (now helpfully shortened to UNLV). The film’s famous title song was written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, who also composed “This Magic Moment,” “Save the Last Dance for Me” and “Teenager in Love,” as well as another Presley hit, “(You’re the) Devil in Disguise.” Ann-Margret, whose swimming instructor character Rusty Martin is responsible for sending Jackson poolbound, thus making him lose the money he raised for his new engine, referred to Presley in her 1994 autobiography as her “soulmate.”
Catch Frankie Moreno at the Stratosphere, 8 p.m. Wed.-Sat., $39.99-$49.99 VIP plus tax and fee, ages 13-18 require accompanying parent or adult guardian. 702.380.7777
