Charo headed back to Vegas

The famous cry of "Cuchi-cuchi!" hasn't echoed down the Strip since 2003. But look out boys, Charo is headed to the Riviera, taking over the former "An Evening at La Cage" showroom on July 10.

Perhaps the only entertainer who combines boobie jokes and flamenco guitar, Charo was set to get some early exposure by going on Fox News' "The O'Reilly Factor" Wednesday. She taped a rebuttal to recent jokes by comedian Dennis Miller about Latinas and "marry(ing) Xavier Cugat," Charo's first husband.

Charo briefly headlined the Sevilla nightclub (now the V Theater) at the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood before it went bankrupt in April 2003. The part-year Las Vegan mostly has toured tribal casinos since then. ...

Lance Burton's future at the Monte Carlo remains a big question mark, but two new magic shows arrive elsewhere during the family vacation season.

At this writing, it was all but official that Rick Thomas and his white tigers will open at the Sahara on July 1. Thomas had a long tenure on the Strip, performing at the Tropicana and Stardust before his show at The Orleans closed in June 2007.

Thomas will do a mix of afternoon and evening shows in the theater built in 2000 by fellow magician Steve Wyrick. Another magician, Brett Daniels, left quickly last year after a dispute with the stagehands union.

"Amazed" teams three magicians -- Mike Rayburn, Tim Gabrielson and Buzz Sutherland -- for afternoon shows in the V Theater at the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood starting June 27. Gabrielson performed "Keep It Funny" at the House of Blues in 2007 and has filled in for Mac King at Harrah's Las Vegas.

Burton tentatively is set to return to the Monte Carlo on June 23, provided a doctor signs off on the foot he broke last month. But that would be almost the end of his contract year, his 13th in the theater he opened with the hotel. His publicist, Wayne Bernath, says Burton is "getting close to having an announcement soon." ...

"Trent Carlini's Elvolution" is closed at the Steve Wyrick Theatre at the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, though at this writing there seemed to be indecision about whether it would return.

Carlini is said to be involved in the new season of "America's Got Talent" when the NBC talent show with Vegas ties returns June 23. It seems unlikely they would let him be a contestant after winning "The Next Best Thing" on ABC, but you never know. ...

Promoters are hoping five is the charm for the Burlesque Hall of Fame's annual Exotic World Weekend, today through Sunday at The Orleans. The gathering of retired and active burlesque dancers seems a custom fit for Vegas, but The Orleans is the fifth venue in as many years.

Gold Coast regulars were conditioned to the spring invasion of tattoos and duckbills for the rockabilly convention. And Sam's Town can roll with Punk Rock Bowling. But the casinos just haven't shown the love for Tempest Storm, Kitten DeVille or Candy Caramelo (billed as the "world's biggest showgirl" with her 46DDD cup).

"We're happy to have our own little world," executive producer Frederic Apcar says of the 800 vintage-wear enthusiasts who visit for the event. "But we'd like to grow it and we need somebody on the hotel end to get behind it."

The Orleans showroom will host a "Titans of Tease" veterans revue Friday and the "Best of Burlesque" pageant Saturday. ...

"Country Superstars Tribute" is wrapping up at Fitzgeralds on June 28, with "Marriage Can Be Murder" moving in the next day.

The country show with the "Legends" impersonator format held tough for two years and more than 500 shows. But the live band and multiact format ultimately proved to be top-heavy for the room, which seats only about 120.

Ron Keel, who originally co-produced and performed as Ronnie Dunn, has been spending more time out of the show, trying to revive his '80s rock band, Keel. Producer Leonard Quenneville hopes to find a venue large enough to support the format.

"Marriage" will put you closer to your fellow suspects when the dinner show gives up the Canyon Club at the Four Queens for the cozier space at Fitzgeralds. But producer John Bentham already has "Fitz of Laughter" in the room and will gain some economies by doing both shows there.

After two years, the Canyon Club continues to be the coolest room downtown that no one has ever seen. Despite its underwhelming track record, it will remain an entertainment venue, with new plans to be announced soon, says Four Queens spokeswoman Lisa Robinson.

Contact reporter Mike Weatherford at mweatherford@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0288.