Jennifer Romas, star of Sexxy at Westgate

What is your New Year’s resolution for 2019?

To be better than I was the year before. Continue to grow personally, learn from mistakes, give, share, influence, teach, make a difference, be at peace with myself, love myself, spend more quality time with my family, pets and friends, and know that no matter how overwhelmed I become or feel, just take a moment to inhale, exhale and repeat. And tell myself, “You got this!”

What was your personal highlight of 2018?

There were so many personal highlights I can’t even count, I am truly blessed. Many of them include accolades and also obstacles to overcome for 2018. Signing a new four-year deal at Westgate; winning Best Female Entertainer for Silver State Awards; being named in the top 100 Women by My Vegas Magazine; celebrating 800 performances of Sexxy. Learning how to work through setbacks; to cope and handle on a personal and business level. Realizing that what I have created (is) a brand and mini-empire that has the potential to be empowering to women everywhere. Personal goals and things I accomplished. But the very best personal highlight of 2018 was being in love with someone with all my heart.

What was your favorite/best Las Vegas moment of 2018?

Watching our community continue to come together and support one and other and watching my team and show grow within the community. Also, being proud to be a woman in business and an influencer at this time in our society and watching so many of my peers rise to the top.

 

George Wallace, comedian at Westgate

What is your New Year’s resolution for 2019?

To continue making Las Vegas the happiest city in America. I love my showroom at the Westgate and I’m gonna work, work, work in 2019 to make it the best, best, best show in Vegas. Y’all come on over. Even more new jokes. But no discount tickets because I don’t do discount jokes.

What was your personal highlight of 2018?

Opening up shop again at the new Westgate. Great new room. Great people in this city and they love to laugh. We must continue to “laff it off.” Las Vegas has it all. It was a great year. Thank you, Vegas.

What was your favorite/best Las Vegas moment of 2018?

The best moment in Las Vegas happens every night when I take to the stage. Making people laugh is better than sex, and it’s definitely better than drugs. I’m hooked on laughter. I’ll share my story with your family and friends at the George Wallace I Be Thinkin … It’s All Lies show. Wallace@Westgate. Free Parking. Start your new year with laughter. Let’s get it on.

 

Carrot Top, comedian at Luxor

What is your New Year’s resolution for 2019?

I never make a New Year’s resolution. I just try to work harder and be kinder.

What was your personal highlight of 2018?

Having our 13-year anniversary at Luxor Hotel & Casino.

What was your favorite/best Las Vegas moment of 2018?

Having the band Queen come to my show twice in one week.

 

Aaron Benward, host of Nashville Unplugged at Mandalay Bay

What is your New Year’s resolution for 2019?

To have a sushi roll named after Nashville Unplugged at a sushi bar in Mandalay Bay.

What was your personal highlight of 2018?

Having written a hit song in the U.S., Korea, Japan and Latin America.

What was your favorite/best Las Vegas moment of 2018?

The Stanley Cup runner-up Vegas Golden Knights—let’s win it this year boys!

 

Mat Franco, magician at The Linq

What is your New Year’s resolution for 2019?

In the interest of overall health, I’d like to exercise more! Over the past year I’ve made a conscious effort to improve my eating habits. New Year’s Day will mark my first full year of adhering to a vegan diet, which I’ve grown to love. I feel better than ever and I’m hopeful that a steadier gym routine will only add to my happiness.

What was your personal highlight of 2018?

On a personal note, I got engaged this past May! Tianna and I met in college and have already been together for several years, so to take the first official step in tying the knot is beyond exciting. We argue over who is the lucky one, but I’m confident it’s me.

What was your favorite/best Las Vegas moment of 2018?

This past July we celebrated 1,000 shows at The Linq here on the Las Vegas Strip! The reason this is a favorite moment of mine is truly multilayered. For starters, it’s gratifying (and nearly unfathomable) to have so many people from all over the world showing their support for your passion. But also, with magic, which I consider to be a live entertainment art form, experience is the best teacher. Looking back at opening night, it’s nice knowing that I’ve inevitably improved since then just from putting in the work that it takes to sustain that amount of performances. That being said—I like to think we are just getting started!

 

Mark Cohen, emcee of Comedy Cellar at Rio

What is your New Year’s resolution for 2019?

To be around to make another New Year’s resolution in 2020, and for years beyond that. And, to be funny, funny, funny!

What was your personal highlight of 2018?

Moving back to Las Vegas and being part of the success that is Comedy Cellar Vegas. That includes meeting some unbelievable new young comedians and reuniting with some hilarious old friends.

What was your favorite/best Las Vegas moment of 2018?

Introducing some truly great and legendary comics at the Comedy Cellar, including Ray Romano, Amy Schumer, Dave Attell, Colin Quinn, Michael Che and all the amazing comedians at the Comedy Cellar at the Rio. Also, going to The Bootlegger with my fellow comedians following the shows on Saturday nights and watching them enjoy the local flavor.

 

Jen Kramer, magician at Westgate

What is your New Year’s resolution for 2019?

To keep moving the needle forward on meaningful projects, especially related to magic and my show at Westgate. I see the show as a living, breathing thing that is continually evolving, and I can’t wait to build on what we’ve created so far.

What was your personal highlight of 2018?

Opening my show at Westgate!

What was your favorite/best Las Vegas moment of 2018?

Same as above: opening my show at Westgate! I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work with an incredible team and do what I love.

 

Barry Manilow, singer at Westgate

What is your New Year’s resolution for 2019?

To try and stop being so obsessed about daily politics; to ease up on watching the news stations and switch the channel to TCM, where they play old, great movies!

What was your personal highlight of 2018?

Being asked to be in residency at the Westgate.

What was your favorite/best Las Vegas moment of 2018?

Opening at the Westgate. Going back to the International Room where we played for five years (when it was the Las Vegas Hilton) was a tremendous thrill.

 

The Gazillionaire, host of Absinthe at Caesars Palace

What is your New Year’s resolution for 2019?

To have a street named after me. Wait, I did that. To have Las Vegas name a day in my honor. Oh, did that too. Reach 4,000 shows of Absinthe. Shoot … did that, also. I guess it’s to be more reflective and throw the most excessive New Year’s Eve party on The Strip!

What was your personal highlight of 2018?

Meeting Celine Dion and not making her reenact a scene from Titanic. I thought that was real considerate of me.

What was your favorite/best Las Vegas moment of 2018?

Anyone who doesn’t answer with the Golden Knights’ inaugural season should be forced to move to Reno!

 

Lyndsay Hailey, emcee of Magic Mike Live at Hard Rock Hotel

What is your New Year’s resolution for 2019?

To be in the present moment, moment after moment.

What was your personal highlight of 2018?

Completing the writing on a feature that I’ve been birthing for over six years; and, spending more time with my family in Richmond, Va.

What was your favorite/best Las Vegas moment of 2018?

When an 80-year-old Italian man came to Magic Mike Live thinking he was about to see a magic show and was surprised by 13 sets of male abs and a woman from Georgia motor-boating him during our slow dance sequence.

 

Ryan Carlson, star in Magic Mike Live at Hard Rock Hotel

What is your New Year’s resolution for 2019?

To be more outgoing and to meet new people, make more memorable experiences outside of work, and to sleep less and to live more!

What was your personal highlight of 2018?

Making so many connections and creating incredible relationships as a result of being a part of Magic Mike Live. I have to give special thanks to Channing Tatum and the whole creative team behind the show for believing in me and giving me this unforgettable opportunity.

What was your favorite/best Las Vegas moment of 2018?

I’m a huge fan of Disney and Marvel Comics movies, especially the Avengers franchise, and earlier this year I got to meet one of my favorite film directors, the director of Avengers: Infinity War, Joe Rucco when he came to see our show. Performing in Las Vegas is unlike anywhere else, because you never know who might be in the audience each night!

 

Isaiah, Bruno Mars in Legends in Concert at Flamingo

What is your New Year’s resolution for 2019?

To be a positive influence to every person I meet throughout the year.

What was your personal highlight of 2018?

Finding out I am going to be a father for the first time.

What was your favorite/best Las Vegas moment of 2018?

Having the opportunity to perform with so many talented kids from local youth choirs and dance groups this season in Legends in Concert’s annual holiday production.

 

Dean Simmons, Garth Brooks in Legends in Concert at Flamingo

What is your New Year’s resolution for 2019?

To record and release my original music.

What was your personal highlight of 2018?

Celebrating my wife’s 50th birthday with old friends and family; and performing my favorite holiday tune “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” in Legends in Concert’s annual holiday show.

What was your favorite/best Las Vegas moment of 2018?

Vegas Golden Knights winning the Western Conference Finals on May 20!

 

Tape Face performs six nights a week at Harrah's.

Tape Face performs six nights a week at Harrah's.

Tape Face, comedian at Harrah’s

What is your New Year’s resolution for 2019?

To bring twice the Tape Face comedy to the people of Las Vegas as we are in need of more comedy in the world.

What was your personal highlight of 2018?

Was the one in The House of Tape just above the big lights over the audience. It’s definitely the highest light I currently have.

What was your favorite/best Las Vegas moment of 2018?

When we found out that Tape Face is the funniest show in Las Vegas!

 

John Caparulo, star of The Comedy Lineup at Harrah’s

What is your New Year’s resolution for 2019?

I’m gonna try to gain 50 pounds. I feel like I’m fat, but not “surgery fat.” That way, it’ll make next year’s resolution to lose 100 pounds a lot easier to accomplish.

What was your favorite/best Las Vegas moment of 2018?

I moved my family to Las Vegas.

 

Xavier Mortimer, magician at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino

What is your New Year’s resolution for 2019?

To continue performing for audiences of all ages and entertain them with my reality-defying illusions.

What was your personal highlight of 2018?

Winning the gold award for “Best Magic Show” in this year’s “Best of Las Vegas” awards, which has been a dream of mine since I launched my show on the Strip two years ago.

What was your favorite/best Las Vegas moment of 2018?

Participating in raising money at the Intergalactic Art Car Festival Downtown. The event raised $20,000 toward funding art programs in schools in the state of Nevada. As an artist, it was a magical moment being able to help in funding art programs for students across the state.

 

Terry Fator, ventriloquist/singer at The Mirage

What is your New Year’s resolution for 2019?

I’ve decided to pick a resolution that I know I can keep. Every year I resolve to lose five pounds and I never do, so this year I resolve to put on five pounds. With the right amount of not exercising, great dinners at home with my wife and going out to the Golden Steer, I know I can keep this one!

What was your personal highlight of 2018?

The trip Angie and I took to Italy and France. We’ve been so busy since our wedding and I’ve been working nonstop at The Mirage, on tour and on television development deals, so getting to getaway for an extended trip together to see the sights, eat the food, drink the wine, and relax is a memory I will always treasure.

What was your favorite/best Las Vegas moment of 2018?

There are so many great moments but for me it was two-part. To see the success of my new Justin Bieber puppet and second, to finish the DVD of my Christmas Show. We taped it, edited, and my dream of having it available for people to take home with them has finally come true.

 

Silvia Silvia, star in WOW—The Vegas Spectacular at Rio

What is your New Year’s resolution for 2019?

To be a better person that can humbly be there for those who may need me, and hope to continue with as much energy and love for all those who come to see us at the WOW show in 2019.

What was your personal highlight of 2018?

The happiness I lived with my whole family at my youngest son’s wedding in Barcelona—a true blessing.

What was your favorite/best Las Vegas moment of 2018?

Happily enjoying each performance at WOW and flattered that the show has received four Best of Las Vegas Awards for the production.

 

Toby Allen, singer in Human Nature at The Venetian

What is your New Year’s resolution for 2019?

Now be prepared, this is going to be so exciting for you all, but this year I will be making a resolution to finally put decent insulation in my roof! Every winter and summer when the energy bills come in I’m like, “I have to do the insulation!”

What was your personal highlight of 2018?

Seeing my two kids going to “big” school where they started kindergarten. Just seeing how eager they were, and still are, to learn and play has been so rewarding. Plus, I also gained a few more productive hours each day!

What was your favorite/best Las Vegas moment of 2018?

Hitting 1,000 shows at The Venetian was a huge highlight of this year. It never feels like we have performed that much—we still have so much fun with every show.

 

Phil Burton, singer in Human Nature at The Venetian

What is your New Year’s resolution for 2019?

I don’t think I’ve ever kept a New Year’s resolution in my life! I always aim too high, so this year I’m going for something achievable—eat a little less sugar and do a little more exercise. Surely that’s not too difficult?

What was your personal highlight of 2018?

A trip to Maui that I took with my family in early August. I just love Hawaii. The laid-back lifestyle, the food, the beaches, the people—everything about the place appeals so much to me.

What was your favorite/best Las Vegas moment of 2018?

The Stanley Cup finals. Even though the Knights lost, the whole town was so proud of their performance and the community atmosphere that formed around the team’s journey was something I’ve never experienced in 10 years of living here. Amazing.

 

Ryan Worley, dancer in Chippendales The Show at Rio

What is your New Year’s resolution for 2019?

To read more books. My goal (with my busy schedule) is to read at least one book per month. Books on health and nutrition are my favorite.

What was your personal highlight of 2018?

Getting my personal trainer certification. I started studying for it right out of high school, but life got in the way. I picked it back up 10 years later and finally got it, so I feel very accomplished.

What was your favorite/best Las Vegas moment of 2018?

Appearing on Jersey Shore. They came to our show over the summer and filmed an episode with Chippendales and they chose to feature me for most of the Chippendales segment. It was cool because it was my first national TV appearance.

 

Tiffany, star of Miss Behave Gameshow at Baly’s

What is your New Year’s resolution for 2019?

Finally finish watching all the films I said I would watch in 2016. It’s been a long few years, but I would really like 2019 to be the year I complete some 2016 goals!

What was your personal highlight of 2018?

Performing our show at a beautiful castle in Scotland during the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which I lovingly referred to as the Edinburgh Excalibur. Earlier in the year we also performed at the Sydney Opera House, or as I like to call it, the Luxor down under!

What was your favorite/best Las Vegas moment of 2018?

When Britney Spears decided to make a big “announcement” on Oct. 18 in front of the new Park MGM. The stage was literally set—pyrotechnics out in full force! Britney, however, decided to say nothing, and spent all of about 90 seconds simply walking from her hydraulic stage lift reveal to her car. I loved it.