Las Vegas and the “Australian Connection”
Sammasseur discusses Las Vegas’ “Australian Connection”
Thanks to casino developer Sam Boyd and his trio of downtown properties, the people of Hawaii have forged a strong relationship with Las Vegas. The Fremont, Main Street and most especially California hotels are dependent on regular tourism from the Island State, and they cater to the culture in a variety of ways. Restaurants serve Hawaiian favorites, staff wear island-style shirts, and Hawaiian retailers like ABC Stores and Lappert’s Ice Cream have locations Downtown. Signs throughout Boyd casinos even proclaim “Aloha Is Spoken Here”.
Melbourne resident Olivia Newton-John at the opening party
for her “Summer Nights” residency at the Flamingo.
On the other side of the equator, the continent of Australia has also formed a bond with Sin City. While not nearly as defined, there’s an undeniable connection between the folks from Down Under and the City of Entertainment. Let’s take a look at a few examples, and perhaps uncover why such distant locations are joined by an invisible highway of travelers…and why so many people relocate from one place to the other.
“Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain”.
Perth Native Andrew Gill welcomes guests to the Mike Hammer Comedy Magic Show at 4 Queens
For Andrew Gill, it was the lure of magic that drew him to Vegas. Then 19 years old, this native of Perth flew across the Pacific to attend the World Magic Teen Mentoring Seminar by legendary Lance Burton. Things turned out so well that Gill remained and worked his way up to becoming production manager for Mike Hammer Comedy Magic. He stayed with Hammer’s team a few years until his work visa expired. Before returning, the ambitious young Aussie had developed relationships with fellow magicians Murray Sawchuck, Jan Rouven, David Copperfield and of course, Burton. Now a successful realtor (with his own magic act to keep things fun), Andrew returns annually for the MAGIC Live Convention at Orleans Hotel.
Australian quartet Human Nature gives Mike Tyson some love
at the opening night of JUKEBOX at Venetian.
Since this city thrives on sex appeal, it’s only natural that the legendary handsome men of Australia would come here to seek fame, fortune…and steaming hot billboards. You may have caught my piece on Aaron Lucey, the Outback rancher who became a successful choreographer and performer after moving to the Vegas Valley. In addition to various other musical productions, he is s performer and dance captain of Thunder From Down Under, the long-running Aussie-themed male revue at Excalibur.
Last year, the upstart Aussie Hunks opened downtown, quickly expanding both the show and their audience in the larger V Theater at Planet Hollywood. Aussie Hunks currently holds the number one spot for Vegas productions on Yelp. Ninety-three percent of audience ratings are at five stars, so the risky plan for bringing a brand-new, er…brand to Las Vegas seems to have paid off.
Yours truly as an honorary “Aussie Hunk” for the day.
Aussie Hunks CEO Jono Weinstock explained the appeal of Vegas stages to Australian entertainers:
“As a performer, this is the pinnacle of achievement…being able to perform so many nights and shows a week. Back home, maybe once a week if lucky. It’s the pinnacle of entertainment, too — a big bold fun adult playground. Parties, gaming, pools, DJ’s, shows…”.
Weinstock was also quick to point out a few of the many positives that Sin City offers for Australian tourism:
“It’s a 15 hour flight from L.A., so we only get big-name performers once every 20 years in their careers! (There’s) cheap shopping also. We pay three times as much for everything down there. The outlets are a winner..and the Aussie dollar at times has been very favourable…now not so much, but shopping is of huge value.”.
Chippendales joined the Aussie-hunk popularity wave by recruiting dancer Ryan Stuart, who was widely promoted as their first member from Down Under. Stuart’s looks, talent, and super-sexy accent aided in him becoming a regular host for the show.
Ironically, Ryan’s fellow Chippendale host Russel Francis chose the opposite path, leaving the stages of Vegas for those of Australia. The handsome singer/dancer from Jacksonville Florida, who had starred in Planet Hollywood‘s PIANO MAN and VEGAS! THE SHOW was riding a career high when he decided to make a big change.
Former Vegas performers Russel Francis (center) and Ali Francis (far right) bring a little taste of Vegas
to the Australian Olympic team in Queensland
Francis won the affection of a Vegas! The Show audience…and his co-star/future bride Ali…when he proposed to her onstage at the end of a performance. After the honeymoon and lots of traveling, Russel decided to head to Australia for a chance to audition for Ricky Martin on their version of The Voice. He didn’t place on that show, but has made it through the audition process for X Factor. Both he and Ali now perform with Chique Entertainment in Gold Coast, Queensland.
Russel sees a definite connection between Las Vegas and Australia:
“I’ve traveled for about five years straight, been to six continents and hundreds of countries. Australia is by far the closest country to the U.S. They actually call Brisbane ‘Bris-Vegas’.
I asked Russel if Australia’s similarity to the United States eased his transition…and if he was welcomed by native residents:
“They have welcomed me with open arms. Everyone has been so friendly and helpful. I’ve been booked on all kind of gigs because everyone loves that I’m here. If I get on the show (X Factor) and do well then we might be here for awhile”.
The people of Las Vegas clearly have open arms for Aussies as well. Take note when you attend a show here and the performers ask audience members “Where are you from?”. Chances are, there will be a large and rowdy group of Aussies, all having a great time together.
And why not? It’s great to feel welcome when you’re so far away from home. And Aussie visitors are bombarded by advertising for Australian Bee Gees, Human Nature, and Olivia Newton-John. But if they ever feel lonely, there’s a community group dedicated to Australians who have relocated here.
Currently, no casino has followed the California‘s lead and dedicated their marketing directly to Australians (Excalibur comes close with the Thunder/Australian Bee Gees line-up). And this writer has yet to find a restaurant that specializes in lamington and pavlova. But as the bond between these two cultures continues to grow and strengthen, don’t be surprised if someday the MGM Grand restores their Oz theme with a new twist….and the Rainforest Cafe re-opens as the “Koala Diner”.
[Photos: Sammasseur, Russel Francis via Facebook, LIGHT Nightclub via Facebook]
A fitness buff and Vegas fan. Sam enjoys shows, bargains, and cheap healthy eats.
