Unveiling Chic Compass’s Celebrity Edition at Rita Deanin Abbey Museum

By Laura Henkel / Photography by Jaime Lim, Liquid Star Photography

Las Vegas’s vibrant arts and culture scene sparkled with sophistication as Chic Compass magazine celebrated the release of its newest edition at the stunning Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum. Aptly titled “An Autumn Sojourn,” the event brought together a lively crowd of creatives, tastemakers and cultural enthusiasts for an unforgettable evening featuring Jason Gould, the magazine’s cover star.

Themed “Lights, Camera, Action! – The Celebrity Edition,” this milestone 20th issue of Chic Compass highlights individuals whose artistry and achievements transcend their industries. The launch event, set amidst the serene beauty of the museum, embodied the elegance and creative energy of the magazine’s latest edition. Guests mingled in a space that reflected Rita Deanin Abbey’s artistic legacy, creating the perfect backdrop for the evening’s festivities.

Photography by Jaime Lim, Liquid Star Photography

Attendees enjoyed an exclusive meet-and-greet with Gould, a celebrated actor, singer and filmmaker. His feature story offers readers an intimate look at his journey, creative inspirations and exciting upcoming projects.

Publisher Ann Parenti set the tone for the night with her evocative words: “Under the unending sky of this desert, it was a one-of-a-kind evening, surrounded by the stunning art of the museum and an inspiring gathering of contributors, influencers and remarkable guests from our past and present cover stories.”

Laura Sanders, the museum’s executive director, captured the collaborative spirit of the evening, stating: “Partnering with Chic Compass to celebrate such extraordinary individuals at the museum exemplifies our mission to not only support our community but to inspire it, honoring Rita’s enduring passion for arts and culture.”

While the event celebrated Gould’s contributions, the spotlight wasn’t solely on him. This celebrity-packed edition of Chic Compass offers a treasure trove of content, brimming with exclusive interviews and captivating features. Readers can explore conversations with luminaries such as Mayor Carolyn Goodman, actor Rob Morrow, enigmatic magician Shin Lim and fashion historian Karan Feder.

Photography by Jaime Lim, Liquid Star Photography

Feder’s award-winning book, “Barbie Takes the Catwalk: A Style Icon’s History in Fashion,” delves into the intersection of culture, history and iconic style. Other highlights include the expertise of art advisor John Barry and Robert Dolan of Cashman Photo Enterprises, whose legendary lens has captured the essence of Las Vegas’s vibrancy for decades.

This issue features local gems and iconic destinations, adding variety. Food enthusiasts will delight in exploring Mae Daly’s, a restaurant redefining the Las Vegas dining scene with its innovative approach to cuisine. Meanwhile, those seeking luxury can immerse themselves in the grandeur of Fontainebleau Las Vegas, a world-class resort poised to elevate the city’s reputation for luxury.

Fashion lovers will revel in David Tupaz’s chic designs, a testament to his unwavering vision for style and elegance. Chic Compass also delivers heartwarming stories, with Stacey Gualandi delving into the life of author and food columnist Pascale Beale and offering insights from Sue Lowden, the powerhouse behind Vic’s Las Vegas. For history buffs, Elaine and Scott Harris provide a fascinating insider’s look at the legendary Hotel del Coronado, weaving past and present with captivating detail.

Photography by Jaime Lim, Liquid Star Photography

What truly sets Chic Compass apart is its commitment to celebrating the rich cultural tapestry of Las Vegas and beyond. Like this one, each event embodies celebrity allure and excitement while fostering a sense of community and inspiration.

For those who attended the launch, “An Autumn Sojourn” was more than just an event—it was an experience showcasing the magazine’s dedication to excellence. From the stunning venue and exclusive guests to the compelling content featured in the magazine, the night was a reminder of the magic that happens when creativity and community converge.

This latest issue offers readers a front-row seat to Las Vegas’s thriving arts and culture scene. It invites them to immerse themselves in a world where inspiration and innovation collide. Don’t miss your chance to grab a copy of Issue 20 – The Celebrity Edition and experience the brilliance of Chic Compass—your guide to the stories and people shaping our cultural landscape.

Photography by Jaime Lim, Liquid Star Photography

Photography by Sheryl Aronson, Sasa Photos

Renata Bosnjak: A Transcendent Voice in Contemporary Art

By Laura Henkel

Renata Bosnjak’s artistry is a stunning fusion of emotion, intuition and technique, offering viewers a powerful connection to the heart of her subjects. A self-taught artist, Bosnjak begins each painting with the eyes—the gateway to the soul. The eyes aren’t merely her starting point; they anchor her work, radiating life and emotion. Of all the eyes she paints, the most captivating might be her own, reflected subtly back to the viewer through the energy of her canvases.

Much like Michelangelo’s sculptures of enslaved people, seemingly yearning to break free from their marble confines, Bosnjak’s canvases guide her hand, revealing figures that feel alive and deeply human. Her creative process is organic and unfiltered—she allows the canvas to speak, creating vibrant, raw and emotionally resonant works. Once completed, her pieces remain untouched, preserving the integrity of her original inspiration.

Born in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1976, Bosnjak’s love for art began at seven with her first painting, a girl holding a dog. Stories of her Austrian-German grandfather’s artistic spirit influenced her journey, creating a lasting connection to her family’s creative legacy. Over time, her work has evolved into a reflection of universal themes, such as love, faith, motherhood and resilience.

Her career has garnered international acclaim, with exhibitions at prestigious venues like Laguna Art Gallery and New York Art and solo exhibitions at Vienna’s renowned Gallery Steiner. Among her numerous accolades, Bosnjak has received the Frida Kahlo International Prize and the International Prize of New York City. Renee Phillips of Manhattan Arts International described her art as “imbued with a life-affirming presence” and noted her mastery of Old Master techniques, enhanced by a contemporary emotional resonance.

What sets Bosnjak apart is her profound connection to her craft. She doesn’t impose her vision on the canvas; instead, she listens, coaxing each subject to life. This connection is most evident in her eyes, always her starting point. They act as a window not only into her subjects but also into her soul, bridging the gap between artist and viewer in an extraordinary way.

Bosnjak’s current solo exhibition, “Renata Bosnjak: Portraits of Life,” is on display at the Summerlin Library through Jan. 14. This exhibition showcases her ability to capture life’s most profound emotions and moments, offering visitors a chance to engage with art that stirs the soul and inspires reflection.

Bosnjak’s work is more than visual; it’s a deeply emotional experience. Her paintings invite viewers to step closer, to see beyond the surface and to connect with the universal truths that bind us all. If you’re seeking art that leaves a lasting impression, “Renata Bosnjak: Portraits of Life” is an exhibition not to be missed.

View Bosnjak’s artwork at www.renatabosnjak.com and follow her on Instagram.

Champion of Culture

Darren Johnson’s Lasting Impact on Las Vegas Art

By Laura Henkel

Darren Johnson, gallery services manager for the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District (LVCCLD), has played a pivotal role in shaping Clark County’s cultural landscape. Over the past nine years, Johnson has overseen the management and installation of approximately 80 exhibits annually, collaborating with over 400 artists. His leadership has expanded the district’s permanent collection and made the library’s gallery spaces accessible across 12 branches, including 15 dedicated gallery locations. Under his guidance, the LVCCLD has become a beacon of cultural engagement.

Alongside his dedicated assistant, Bee Aspinall, Johnson manages gallery programming, the district’s art collection, artist talks, workshops and unique events like fashion shows and even pro-wrestling in The Studio. This creative range demonstrates his ability to engage the community innovatively and inclusively. Together, they form an unstoppable team, elevating the district’s cultural offerings to new heights and ensuring the programming reflects diverse heritage and interests.

Johnson’s curatorial work has elevated the LVCCLD’s galleries, earning numerous “Best Of” awards highlighting art’s importance in the community. The galleries offer consistent hours and serve as cultural hubs in various neighborhoods, making art accessible regardless of age, background, or experience.

Johnson’s curatorial style emphasizes diversity and inclusion. He focuses on acquiring works that resonate with others while reflecting Nevada and the Southwest’s broader cultural and historical context. His eye for talent has provided countless local artists a platform to showcase their work to a larger audience. Johnson views the permanent collection as a “living entity that evolves with the community.”

One cornerstone of the LVCCLD’s gallery offerings is the Sahara West Library, once home to the Las Vegas Art Museum. Continuing the legacy established by leaders like Libby Lumpkin, Johnson has maintained this space as a world-class cultural venue, frequently hosting high-profile exhibitions that draw significant public attention.

Beyond his work as a curator, Johnson is also a highly accomplished artist. He specializes in oil painting and captures subtle nuances of human emotion and connection, often focusing on intimate, everyday moments. The community highly anticipates his rare exhibitions, offering a personal yet universally accessible artistic voice. Over the years, Johnson has installed over 700 exhibits, transforming the district’s galleries into spaces where art can thrive and showcase diverse creative expressions. His commitment to the arts, both through his administrative role and personal artistry, has made him a vital figure in the cultural landscape of Nevada.

One of Johnson’s most notable public art projects, Zap!, reflects his dedication to community-oriented art. Sponsored by Clark County Parks and Recreation and Historic West Las Vegas, Johnson transformed utility boxes into vibrant canvases celebrating local culture and history. One box featured a portrait of Sarann Knight-Preddy, a civil rights activist and Nevada’s first Black woman to own a casino. Johnson recalls how Preddy, even in her 90s, was deeply engaged in her work, attending events and guiding him in selecting the perfect portrait. This project brought art into everyday spaces and fostered meaningful connections to the area’s history. Although some boxes from Zap 3 no longer remain, two can still be found on the Historic Westside.

Johnson’s contributions to public art continue with projects such as Zap 5 at Desert Breeze Park, where he painted dinosaurs on electrical boxes, merging playful imagery with public spaces. Much like his curatorial work, these projects showcase his ability to bring art to unexpected places, making it accessible to everyone. He occasionally exhibits his exquisite paintings at galleries. If you ever have the opportunity to see his work, it is highly recommended—you won’t be disappointed.

Though he downplays his achievements, Johnson’s work with the LVCCLD, his public art projects and his personal paintings have left an indelible mark on the community. His ability to balance public service with personal creativity reflects the breadth of his talent and his deep commitment to the people of Clark County.

In essence, Johnson is more than a curator—he’s a cultural steward who continually seeks ways to uplift the community through art. His work ensures that the LVCCLD remains a cornerstone of cultural engagement, offering artistic experiences that resonate with people from all walks of life. If you hear someone say there’s no great art in Las Vegas, direct them to one of Johnson’s exhibitions at the library—or to the rare occasions when he exhibits his work. Sometimes, it takes an artist to fully support the arts in a way that’s truly larger than life.

Photo of Karan Feder by Frank Molnar

From Costume Designer to Fashion Historian:

A Look at the Life and Legacy of Karan Feder

BY CHANELLE HAYES

Karan Feder’s story is a testament to the power of transformation. Growing up in Wisconsin, Feder didn’t have many dreams or goals at an early age. However, a pivotal moment in her third year of college at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, when she discovered her true passion for fashion, changed everything.

Like most individuals her age, Feder was still navigating life and her career path at the age of 20. A friend’s daring decision to pursue fashion in California sparked Feder’s interest in the industry. This bold move, however, was not just a spark but a flame that ignited Feder’s passion. She bravely followed her heart, enrolling at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising.

Going from a person without a clear direction to someone with a focused goal was a turning point in her life. Her relentless drive and commitment to her craft earned her the respect of many and opened doors to the dynamic fashion and entertainment industry of Los Angeles.

Her move to Las Vegas led to further opportunities, ultimately paving the way for her current career as a fashion historian. She has been recognized with numerous awards for her work, and her books on fashion history have been bestsellers, further solidifying her position as a respected figure in the industry.

Taking on Hollywood: The Land Where Dreams Come True

Feder landed her first Hollywood gig alongside world-renowned costume designer Bob Mackie, who has worked with entertainment icons such as Cher, Carol Burnett, Elton John, Marilyn Monroe, Marie Osmond, Dolly Parton, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Barbra Streisand and Oprah Winfrey.

At the time, Mackie was looking for a wardrobe supervisor for actress and singer Mitzi Gaynor’s traveling stage shows. “I was just 20 years old, so when I heard the name Mitzi Gaynor, I didn’t know who she was,” she recalls. “I thought I was going to work for disco queen Gloria Gaynor. She was the only Gaynor I knew. Even though the show’s director kept saying Mitzi Gaynor in my interview, I still pictured Gloria.”

Feder landed the job, met Gaynor and was in awe. “She was one of the big stars during the Golden Age of Hollywood in the 50s and 60s. She kept shining in the spotlight through the 70s and 80s, traveling and doing legendary stage shows on the road. This was when everyone from Glen Campbell to the Osmonds to Sonny Bono and Cher had a variety show.”

Working with Mackie was a transformative experience for Feder. “I admire him so much,” she says. “He has a super unique hand and witty statement with his designs.” Her deep respect for Mackie and his unique design style significantly influenced her approach to costume design and shaped her future aspirations and goals.

It was a different take on design that she was highly interested in. “I fell in love with designing costumes rather than fashion.” Three years with the Mitzi Gaynor’s show helped further hone her skills and knowledge in the entertainment industry, paving the way for her future success in Hollywood. Her work on iconic shows like “The Golden Girls” and “The Wonder Years,” as well as Robert Redford’s first film, “A River Runs Through It,” involved creating memorable and character-defining costumes, contributing significantly to the visual storytelling of these iconic projects.

Becoming a Fashion Icon in Her Own Right

With 10 years of experience as a costume designer in the entertainment industry, Feder felt the need for a change. She embarked on a new journey after marrying her entrepreneur husband, Michael.

In 1996, she launched Karan Feder Hollywood, designing, manufacturing, marketing and selling fashion accessories to the junior and children’s markets. Her first project, a children’s rainwear line, was a roaring triumph, reaching the shelves of Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. Feder’s design philosophy was to create a versatile ensemble, which she achieved by designing matching handbags and hats to complement the raincoat. Her handbags became so popular that even teens, young adults and even older individuals bought them.

It was a trend that piqued everyone’s curiosity so much that Feder was honored with the International Fresh Face Award, which recognizes the best new talent in the children’s wear industry. She was also nominated for an Earnie Award, which honors outstanding children’s and juvenile product companies for their excellence in design and retail.

Still based in Los Angeles, Feder continued to thrive in the fashion industry. She launched a new line dedicated to fun, playful novelty handbags made of faux fur and various plastics. Her handbag line was another massive hit for the fashion designer, and it took her worldwide, including to Las Vegas, which would soon become her permanent home.

From Hollywood to Exploring the Cabaret Costume Culture in Las Vegas

An unsettling earthquake damaged her Woodland Hills home, which ultimately led her to leave Southern California behind. “When Michael and I moved to Las Vegas in 2004, I planned to continue working on my fashion business and doing what I had been doing.” However, when Feder started exploring the city, she discovered the Liberace Museum, a place that would change the course of her career.

At the time, the Liberace Museum didn’t have a dedicated costume curator, so Feder took it upon herself to ensure they had one. Her initiative and leadership were evident when she developed and established the Liberace Museum’s Costume Collection Management Policy. This entailed coordinating, selecting, prepping, packing and processing an international traveling exhibition for the museum. She was also a guest curator for two original costume exhibitions at the museum.

Feder’s love for Liberace’s extravagant costume collection was more than just professional. It was a personal connection, a reminder of her days working with Mackie in Hollywood. This emotional tie to the museum’s collection deepened her commitment to preserving, interpreting and collecting these pieces, marking the end of her costume design career and on to something new.

In 2012, Feder launched a new business dedicated to the best-practice research, preservation, conservation and exhibition of archival costume collections. Entertainment Exhibitions, a full-service advisory and management firm, has a track record of developing and executing innovative and strategic partnerships to safeguard and showcase historic costume collections’ potential. The firm works with many Las Vegas-based institutions and national museums.

A year later, in 2013, Feder came across the Nevada State Museum, where she volunteered to serve as the museum’s guest curator of costume and textiles. Her mission was to develop a costume archive that vividly represented the evolution of the entertainment industry in Nevada, preserving its rich history for future generations.

“My work for the Nevada State Museum is perhaps one of my biggest career achievements,” she says. “I knew that “Folies Bergère,” which ran at Tropicana Las Vegas from 1959 to 2009, had saved all the surviving costume stock, storing the collection in the show’s old wardrobe rooms because no one knew what to do with it. So, I was in contact with the hotel’s entertainment director for many months, reminding them that the Nevada State Museum wanted to collect a few pieces to represent the show in its permanent costume and textile collection. Every time I called, I got the response that they wanted to hold on to it because they weren’t sure what they would do with it yet. Maybe they would reuse or auction it, but they weren’t ready to donate anything yet.”

Feder says that when she read in a local newspaper that the show “Mama Mia!” had been booked at the Tropicana Las Vegas, she knew they were going to need the wardrobe space where all of the costumes and pieces from “Folies Bergère” were housed because “Mama Mia!” was a super costume-heavy show. “I made another phone call to the hotel entertainment director, saying, ‘Listen, it’s me again,’ and then went into why I was calling. And that was all it took.”

Shortly after that phone call, the “Folies Bergère” costume archive arrived at the Nevada State Museum in towering heaps, boxes and bags. Feder says that the collection was disorganized, uncatalogued and not inventoried, as is the case with the majority of contributions to museums. For her, it was essential to locate existing research collections to help identify the donated materials and their interpretation. “Since I was the museum’s curator, I was in charge of making sense of the costume archive,” she says. “It was challenging at first because I never had the pleasure of seeing “Folies Bergère” before.”

Her aggressiveness and determination led to the birth of the “Les Folies Bergère: Entertaining Las Vegas, One Rhinestone at a Time” exhibit at the Nevada State Museum. It has put the museum on the map, as it now boasts one of the world’s most significant museum collections of cabaret costumes. The impressive collection, which has over 8,000 pieces from the show, draws you into its glamorous legacy from when it opened to its final curtain call. “When the exhibit opened, it was a proud moment for me because I knew that was a huge legacy for Las Vegas.”

Complementing the impressive exhibit, Feder’s book, “The Folies Bergere in Las Vegas,” released in 2017, is a significant historical work of art that pays homage to the iconic show. It features never-before-seen photographs, costume design renderings and intriguing documents from local archives. This book is a must-read for those seeking a deeper understanding of Las Vegas’s longest-running musical stage show. It wasn’t until three years later that Feder’s next big project would arise.

Exploring Barbie Fashion and Beyond

Feder’s work was significantly impacted when the world came to a halt in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “The Nevada State Museum closed during this time, so I sat at home looking at my list of projects I wanted to do.”

Feder says that David Porcello, a colleague at the Nevada State Museum, had been a lifelong vintage fashion collector, including Barbie doll fashion. “It was unusual because most people collected the dolls,” she says. “However, he wasn’t interested in dolls; he only liked fashion. His vast collection featured nearly every garment made for Barbie between 1959 and 2000.”

Feder acquired several pieces from Porcello’s vintage fashion collection for the Nevada State Museum’s archive. Still, she couldn’t figure out how to make the Barbie doll fashion pieces fit into the museum’s collecting mission. “David and I both have such a heavy fashion background that we thought, well, wouldn’t it be interesting if we could tell the evolutionary story of Barbie doll fashion through life-size fashion pieces?”

This brilliant idea led to “Barbie: A Cultural Icon Exhibition, 60 Years of Fashion and Inspiration,” the first Barbie doll exhibition to tour North America. It was created and toured by Illusion Projects Inc. and curated by Feder in partnership with Mattel Inc. The exhibit debuted in Las Vegas and has since traveled to museums in Phoenix, Arizona, and Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It’s currently being displayed at the prestigious Museum of Arts and Design in New York City from now through March 2025.

Feder’s development of this project ultimately led her to publish her 2023 book, “Barbie Takes the Catwalk: A Style Icon’s History in Fashion.” Feder examines the Barbie doll’s fashionable history to provide a fascinating timeline across many decades and hundreds of miniature Barbie doll garments. The resulting narrative reveals an incredible portrait of the cultural evolution of American women during the last half-century. Feder adds, “It was also fascinating to explore some of the fashion trends that Barbie’s designers did not choose to embrace and why.” “Barbie Takes the Catwalk: A Style Icon’s History in Fashion” has been translated into a handful of languages and has earned an Independent Book Publishers Award for excellence.

Photo of Rob Morrow courtesy of Rob Morrow

Rob Morrow

The Quintessential Storyteller

BY SHERYL ARONSON

Rob Morrow, a Golden Globe and Emmy Award-nominated actor, knew early on that his calling was to be an actor. At 18, he left high school to pursue his dream and spent 10 years in the New York City theater world, diligently soaking up knowledge—whether working as an actor or a crew member—to fine-tune his craft.

Morrow commented, “I was there to learn, and no job was beneath me.”

His prolific resume includes television, film and theater, spanning 44 years in show business. He’s best known for the hit show “Northern Exposure,” which awarded him three Golden Globes and two Emmy nominations for playing the iconic role of Dr. Joel Fleischman. “Numb3rs,” “Billions,” “Entourage,” “American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson” and “Designated Survivor,” and films including “Mother,” “Flint,” “The Bucket List” and the Academy Award-nominated “Quiz Show” also revealed the multifaceted components of his talent.

In 2019, I discovered another creative side of Morrow—he was actively pursuing a career as a musician and songwriter, gigging around Los Angeles, fronting the Rob Morrow band and performing in venues such as the Viper Room, Bogies and Molly Malone’s.

Storytelling is the quintessential motivation behind Morrow’s artistry. When asked what the creative differences are between being an actor and director as compared to being a musician, he replied: “Both art forms are storytelling, and understanding the parameters of storytelling is essential. The other important component is expression. I must express myself. It’s part of my nature.”

This past summer, audiences in Los Angeles saw Morrow’s artistry up close when he played Holocaust survivor Isaac Geldhart, the lead role in the Ruskin Group Theatre production of “The Substance of Fire,” which also co-starred the beautiful and talented Marcia Cross.

Morrow’s history with the play dates to his early acting career in New York. He was one of the founding members of the Naked Angels theater company, where “The Substance of Fire” was first performed as a one-act play. He landed the role of Aaron Geldhart, Isaac’s son. The play was developed as a two-act play and became a film starring Ron Rifkin.

Morrow then received the news that he had landed the role of Dr. Joel Fleischman in “Northern Exposure,” and the rest is history!

I talked with Morrow during the run of “The Substance of Fire” this past summer.

Chic Compass: You have acted in numerous television shows and films. What drives you as an actor to take on different roles?

Rob Morrow: The fun for me is in the creation and execution. The performances are like a cherry on the cake, but the creative process and building the character get my attention.

Chic Compass: You played Richard N. Goodwin in the Academy Award-nominated film, “Quiz Show” directed by Robert Redford. What was your experience working with him?

Rob Morrow: It was like getting called up from the minor leagues to play in the All-Star game in the major leagues. Bob was someone whom I studied even before I knew I would be an actor. I was fascinated with him, as most people were. I watched him in movies and metabolized his stillness and gaze. I unconsciously instilled these characteristics when I became an actor. Then, finding myself working with him and being guided by him was a thrill. I felt a profound trust. Bob was generous and allowed me to express myself while guiding me. It was lovely to trust someone so much. We became friends for several years afterward. He was an important part of my life.

Chic Compass: You have played Jewish characters in some of your roles. Dr. Joel Fleischman (“Northern Exposure”) launched your career in the public’s eye. What significance, if any, does this have for you being of Jewish heritage?

Rob Morrow: I don’t practice Judaism but was bar mitzvahed. I’m mostly spiritual. I take great pride that Dr. Joel Fleischman was one of the first mainstream Jewish television protagonists. I’m honored to depict someone who has a strong relationship with Judaism – the Jews need all the help they can get. (We both laugh) they’ve been ostracized, and they’ve been through the horrors of the concentration camps in World War II. I try to spread the good word through my Jewish characters or spread understanding through those characters.

Chic Compass: In “The Substance of Fire,” you played Isaac Geldhart, a Holocaust survivor and successful publisher at odds with his adult children. Isaac was carrying a heavy burden being a survivor, and his inability to deal with his emotions caused a deep divide in the family. He was driven by what he lost and what he observed as a little boy surviving these atrocities.

Rob Morrow: Isaac was scarred and a survivor. He wasn’t in the camps but lost all his family. He carried survivor’s guilt. He came to America, reinvented himself and created a big life as a wealthy publisher. He only wanted to publish books that had value and were edifying and refused to modernize the content of the books. He feared what could happen if one let his guard down. It was 1986, so his kids couldn’t relate to what happened in Nazi Germany. It became a family battle to update the book content or go under as a business. The children had the power to override me, which became the play’s main thrust.

Chic Compass: In Act II, you receive a visit from a social worker, Marge Hackett, played by Marcia Cross. What was your experience working with her?

Rob Morrow: I loved working with Marcia. I’ve known her socially forever, but it was the first time we worked together. I adore her as a person and as an artist. Marcia’s character talked to Isaac about her heartbreaks. By being vulnerable with him, she began to break down his walls. He opened up to her more than he had with anyone. There’s a catharsis because of it. My favorite kind of stories take the character to the point of change. At the end of the play, Isaac lets down his guard, opens himself up to his family, and stops living as a reaction to the traumatic events of his past. I love this kind of writing. It reflects what one of my teachers said, “Art is the equipment for living.” It shows how we all must change. I used to fight with them on “Northern Exposure” because the original people who created the show never wanted Joel to change. Fortunately, they left, and other writers came on and were more open to my thinking.

Chic Compass: Many of your actor friends have come to see “The Substance of Fire” at the Ruskin Group Theatre.

Rob Morrow: The audience has been fabulous. Playwright Jon Robin Baitz and my other actor friends, including Steve Weber, Ed O’Neill, Michael Nouri, Eric McCormack, Bryan Cranston, Jason Alexander, Richard Kind, Kevin Pollak and Spencer Garrett, visited. It’s nice when people you admire appreciate what you’re doing. It’s a confirmation, a celebration of camaraderie and support. I have a lot of friends in the business. We support each other’s work.

Chic Compass: Talk about the Ruskin Group Theatre.

Rob Morrow: I went to high school with John Ruskin. He contacted me about 10 years ago and asked me to teach master classes. I’ve been teaching a couple of classes every year since that time. In 2019, my wife saw that the playhouse was doing “Death of a Salesman,” and it was perfect timing. I was hunting around to act in something different and challenging. I called John, and he asked me if I wanted to play Willy Loman. It’s rare to work on a masterpiece. A lot of the work I do doesn’t work – what I do is work on things that don’t work, trying to figure out how to do it or change it. You don’t have to spend any bandwidth when you have a masterpiece. I don’t have to question one thing; I just fulfill the role. My experience was great because I concentrated on creating, not fixing. The Ruskin Group Theatre is moving two doors down to a bigger space. The old space is difficult to stage a play. It’s intimate and creates a hybrid of film and stage acting because you don’t have to project. You can just present your lines like we do in front of a camera. Yet, it’s a live performance. A friend of mine, who’s a director of photography, told me he could see my micro-expressions.

Chic Compass: Theater in Los Angeles is exciting and wonderful, and the Ruskin Group Theatre is a great space to highlight these master plays.

Rob Morrow: The new space will have two stages. It has a community vibe and is my fourth artistic home.

Chic Compass: Let’s switch over and talk about your music career. When beginning your music career, you would go into a small club and play a set to improve your chops and learn.

Rob Morrow: I wasn’t very good at first, which was hard because people recognized me as an actor. Music is the most direct storytelling. It hits you viscerally. I took some slings and arrows, went to clubs and asked to go on at 7 p.m. when no one would be there. I videoed myself to learn how to get better. Meanwhile, I wrote songs and hooked up with Carlos Calvo; we wrote a ton of music together. We also formed a band. He was a mentor to me. Eventually, I got good. I love playing.

Chic Compass: Do you have any music projects coming up?

Rob Morrow: I’m getting ready to go out with this one-man band. I built a pedal board to play percussion and have vocal harmonies and looping. I have new music that I’m playing. In the next six to eight months, I plan on performing as a musician. FYI, I did a song with Lisa Loeb called “Shake Things Up,” which has gotten a lot of airplay.

Chic Compass: What other projects are you working on?

Rob Morrow: I did a miniseries called “The Gray House,” coming out in early 2025. Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman produced it. It’s a big, epic Civil War drama directed by Roland Joffé. I’ve worked with him three times now.

Chic Compass: Is there anything else you want to say about your career?

Rob Morrow: I feel lucky to make a living and have a creative life telling stories. I hope that the world will be a little better through my work and the sum of my existence. These stories changed me and made me who I am, and as an actor, producer, director and songwriter, I can only hope to do the same for others.

“American La Ronde” by Steven Dietz, directed by Michael Lugering. Photo by Jordan Hall

The Whole World’s a Stage for Kirsten Brandt

BY KENDALL HARDIN

We’ve come a long way from Victorian times when women in theatre were in the same category as women of the night, dismissed as vulgar and immoral. Even the bouncy 1927 “Show Boat” tune concludes with “Life upon the wicked stage ain’t nothin’ for a girl.”

Women today are transforming the theatrical world on stage, in the cinema, on television and via streaming devices as consummate actors, playwrights, screenwriters, technical artists, directors and producers. How exhilarating, then, to see a woman like Kirsten Brandt ascend to the pinnacle of dramatic arts in academia as the new chair of UNLV’s Department of Theatre and executive director of the Nevada Conservatory Theatre.

The California native is now elated to be a Nevadan. Born and raised in the Bay Area, she pursued college at the University of California, San Diego, where she quickly switched from psychology to theatre. She studied playwriting during her junior year at the University of Birmingham in England. A year later, she graduated from UCSD with an emphasis on directing. In 2019, Brandt earned an MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts at Goddard College, focusing on performance technology, gender in performance and environmental justice.

Directly after college, she worked with the San Diego Repertory Theatre, Sledgehammer Theatre and various small theatres in San Diego. Eventually, she stepped into the role of artistic director at Sledgehammer, armed with a mission to literally take a sledgehammer to traditional theatre and build something new. The freedom to experiment with form and style at “Sledge” with an adventurous ensemble created the cornerstone of who she is as an artist today.

Brandt has also directed at many of the country’s most prestigious theatres, including The Old Globe, La Jolla Playhouse, San Jose Repertory Theatre (now called the Hammer Theatre Center, where she was the associate artistic director for seven years), TheatreWorks Silicon Valley and the Utah Shakespeare Festival. Brandt is also a playwright. Her play “Coded,” about women in computer gaming, had its world premiere in San Jose in 2021, and her musical version of “The Snow Queen” continues to enjoy national and international productions.

Chic Compass: What excites you about today’s world of theatre?

Kirsten Brandt: I’m interested in the immediacy of theatre and how it creates community. I want theatre not only to entertain but also to get people talking to and with each other. I love the exchange of good ideas, and I love debate. I want to get people excited about topics and characters. I’m also a storyteller, believing that a good story can change people’s lives and inspire them. It matters what stories we tell.

Chic Compass: What attracted you to UNLV and Las Vegas?

Kirsten Brandt: When I interviewed for the job at UNLV, I saw a passion for innovation in the faculty—a passion for storytelling and service to the community and the students. We’re training the next generation of artists and theatregoers.

The students are everything—it’s why we’re here. They inspire me; I learn so much from them. I felt at home when I arrived and knew this was where I needed to be. My colleagues represent the best in theatre. They challenge me every day.

We have a fantastic program at UNLV. For undergrads, we provide a performance studies track, a stage and screen acting program and a technical theatre program. We offer master’s degrees in performance, design, technical direction and stage management. Our students are magnificent, curious and adventurous. I know that when they leave UNLV, the future of the arts is secure in their hands.

Chic Compass: You supervise UNLV’s Department of Theatre division and function as the executive director for the Nevada Conservatory Theatre. How does that work?

Kirsten Brandt: The Nevada Conservatory Theatre is the university’s producing arm and stands for “nurture, create and transform.” What makes us unique is that we bring professional guest artists to work alongside our students. This blending helps our students bridge the gap between academia and professional practice. It also allows our guests to take risks that commercial theatre can’t afford. Risk and experimentation are where innovation lies.

It’s a privilege to have this dual position. Not only do I get to work with students, but our department also works with the community. I serve as the academic department chair and the director of a performing theatre company. I know how lucky I am since I have worked in nonprofit theatre my entire life.

When I started teaching, I felt another calling. I know it sounds like a cliche, but I have felt a call to service, to help people my whole life. I believe I do that with the art I create. Art fuels the soul.

Chic Compass: You’ve launched many new initiatives and innovations over the last year. Can you describe some of them for our readers?

Kirsten Brandt: Two new programs immediately come to mind: the Short Playwriting Festival and Parking Lot Plays.

Short Playwriting Festival: With the support of an amazing donor, we will have six world-premiere 10-minute plays by major voices in American theatre. Our “shorts” will focus on a theme for the next three years. This year, the theme is “the climate.” Bringing in these writers, who are writing for our students and the Las Vegas community, enhances the visibility of UNLV and Las Vegas as a hub for new and innovative work.

Parking Lot Plays: Last year, we launched an off-season offering of plays performed in the Commercial Center parking lot. It was a wild success! The next set of plays, written by our undergraduate writers, will debut in April. It’s an immersive experience for the audience. We’re grateful to collaborate with the College of Fine Arts and the county on this fun project.

We have also created several new initiatives to connect with the community:

High School Outreach: We’re working with Las Vegas high school theatre programs to offer free weekday matinee performances for their students. We’re also going into the classrooms with workshops tailored to those classes to engage the next generation of theatre-goers.

Theatre Guides: We have launched “Know Before You Go” (or “Read It After You See It”) guides that provide more information about our plays, including interviews with writers, thoughts on themes, and other dramaturgy that enhances patron experiences. These free guides are available online to all community members. Special high school guides provide discovery activities expressly designed for each show.

Sensory inclusive performances and select Friday performances are available for every production.

Intriguing podcasts with expanded interviews and student-generated original content are now a reality.

Digital programming will increase in 2025 as more content is developed to stream to external audiences.

Chic Compass: What significant challenges do you and your department face?

Kirsten Brandt: We’re the best-kept secret in Las Vegas—I don’t want us to be a secret anymore. We make theatre for the whole community. I’m at the theatre for every performance – ready to talk to our audiences. So when you come – say hi!

The recession and COVID-19 pandemic had a horrible impact on live performing arts. Like our colleagues in other cities, we’re looking at innovative ways to invite audiences back to live theatre and ingenious and novel ways to reach out to theatregoers in unique venues throughout the city.

We can’t go back to the way we did things before, and we invite conversations and creative input from the community. I’m excited about the future and thrilled to be at an institution that values progress, experimentation and innovation.

More About the Nevada Conservatory Theatre

The Nevada Conservatory Theatre was founded by UNLV’s Department of Theatre faculty in 2000. It sits at the intersection of research and professional practice. The mission is to train the next generation of theatre artists by placing them alongside professional artists in all aspects of the art and craft of playmaking.

Working together, key goals aim to transcend the traditional stage through experimentation of form, creatively reimagine classic works, celebrate emerging and underrepresented voices and engage with the community. This intersection among students in training, distinguished faculty members and theatre professionals provides an ideal laboratory at UNLV for advancing the discipline of the theatre arts.

With a spotlight on integrating professional guest artists and advanced students, the Nevada Conservatory Theatre is committed to creating “a vibrant theatre that inspires and entertains while providing a social, political and ethical forum for Las Vegas artists and audiences.”

The Nevada Conservatory Theatre’s yearly season focuses on classic plays and new works from emerging voices in American theatre. Brandt just finished directing the new season’s opener, “Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play”, which she describes as “a love letter to the power of story and our need as humans to connect.” She explains, “The whole season is about connections—how we connect, why we connect, and why we disconnect.”

The Nevada Conservatory Theatre performs in the Judy Bayley Theatre, the Black Box Theatre and the Paul Harris Theatre, located within the UNLV Performing Arts Center.

Subscriptions and single tickets are available:

Online: www.unlv.edu/pac/visit/tickets

By phone: 702-895-2787

In-person: The UNLV Performing Arts Center box office is located between the Cottage Grove Parking Garage and the Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall off of Maryland Parkway

Convenient parking is free on campus after 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, after 1 p.m. on Friday, and anytime on Saturday and Sunday (handicapped parking and ADA access are provided).

For updates on the Nevada Conservatory Theatre’s 2024-25 season or to become a donor, visit www.unlv.edu/nct.

Sue Lowden

‘Take Five’ With Vic’s Jazz Club Owner Sue Lowden

BY STACEY GUALANDI

The neon cowboy Vegas Vic first waved his iconic thumb high above downtown Las Vegas over 70 years ago.

Thanks to the legendary Lowden family, Vic still gives his signature thumbs up to a jazz lounge bearing his name.

Two years ago, Vic’s brought a unique sound to Symphony Park in downtown’s cultural epicenter: a vibey lounge and dining room for live jazz and blues entertainment over tasty Italian dishes.

Sue Lowden couldn’t be more jazzed.

Nearly 50 years after arriving in Las Vegas, falling in love with acclaimed jazz musician Paul Lowden, raising four children and becoming a beloved TV personality (she was one of the first women in Nevada to co-anchor the evening news), Lowden has set the stage for a permanent home on the local jazz scene.

The Lowdens—who have opened more than 25 restaurants—had been looking for a live jazz nightclub for several years when the City of Las Vegas, which was looking for something different, introduced them to the Symphony Park space. “We produce jazz albums,” Paul Lowden IV says. “Our father is a musician, a good one. I thought it might be cool to do something my parents could hold court in.”

Lowden is a fine dining foodie and jazz music junkie, so Vic’s has literally become an extension of her passions.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Humanitarian of the Year couldn’t be more proud that jazz music students at the Las Vegas Academy perform nightly at Vic’s while also performing down the street at the Las Vegas Academy Lowden Theater.

“We want people to feel at home and comfortable at Vic’s while having a great evening out,” she says. “Most of our employees have been here since day one, and everyone at the bar knows everyone else. We’re thrilled with Vic’s food, atmosphere and entertainment. We invite everyone to check it out.”

Lowden greets old friends and new customers on any night at Vic’s. She’s one busy restauranteur, but she did take time out to “take five” with Chic Compass.

Chic Compass: Since last we spoke soon after the launch, would you say Vic’s has exceeded your goals and expectations?

Sue Lowden: Vic’s has gotten into the “groove” of the downtown Symphony Park scene. The restaurant has an ebb and flow of clientele, depending on shows at The Smith Center and World Market Center activities. Jazz has its own audience, and we have found that “book it and they will come” holds true. There’s a hardcore jazz following in Las Vegas, and once word got out that Vic’s was serious about featuring jazz musicians and artists, “jazzbos” took us seriously. Of course, there’s a component of excellent service and ambiance. We’re fortunate to have a superb chef, Miguel Magana, and our manager, Scott Schmalfeldt, who work tirelessly to make everything run smoothly.

Chic Compass: How much is Vic’s a reflection of you as an owner, a Las Vegas personality, a jazz music producer/lover, etc.? What influence have you particularly had on the restaurant’s success so far?

Sue Lowden: Everything about Vic’s is very personal. That includes family and personal photos in the lounge and paintings featured in the main dining room and private dining area. Our sons, Chris and Paul Lowden IV, took months to create what has turned into our jazz club, Vic’s. Paul IV received his first gaming license for the bar top slot machines in the main bar. My husband Paul and I hire and approve all the jazz artists and musicians. We’ve been jazz fans for years and have developed friendships with many of the artists we book. Occasionally, I’m on stage to welcome guests and introduce the talent about to perform. Our new venture is a family affair in all aspects of business. We’re also proud to work with Opportunity Village, a longtime Las Vegas nonprofit that trains mentally challenged young people. We hired graduates of the program to become part of our Vic’s family.

Chic Compass: What expected or unexpected effect has Vic’s had in that downtown space?

Sue Lowden: Vic’s has been a stand-alone retail business for almost two years. Symphony Park is about to explode with additional apartments, two new hotels and condos, more restaurants and new retail space. We welcome our new neighbors with open arms. Symphony Park is a beautiful place to live, work, play and dine.

Chic Compass: There is no quit in you! What else is motivating you right now?

Sue Lowden: I enjoy discovering new talent and featuring jazz artists never seen or heard in Las Vegas. For example, we have Grammy Award-winning jazz artist Nicole Zuraitis performing at Vic’s in October. We had been working on booking her for months, and then, when she won the Grammy, her schedule became crazy busy, so we’re looking forward to featuring her and her band. We also enjoy welcoming our own Grammy Award-winning Las Vegas Academy jazz students to perform here every night. The young musicians are part of a paid internship with Vic’s under the direction of Patrick Bowen, the longtime head of LVA’s World Jazz Studies program.

Chic Compass: Do you have any future plans or announcements you want to share? Has Vegas Vic settled into his new home and is ready to expand?

Sue Lowden: We have endless ideas for Vic’s future. Chris is putting together a CD of live Vic’s performances featuring Benny Benack, Jeff Hamilton, Tamir Hendelman, Ken Peplowski, and so many others. Our sound recording system was part of our original installation plan. We worked with the same sound experts from Dizzy’s Club in New York City, and we’re delighted to have a state-of-the-art audio setup that enables us to record live.

We look forward to partnering with Michael Lazaroff, CEO of Jazz Cruises, LLC, to bring artists from his renowned jazz cruises here to perform. Beginning in December, we’ll initiate “Third Wednesdays at Vic’s,” featuring many jazz cruise artists.

We’re also teaming up with the nonprofit Jazz House Kids to raise funds for young musicians who need instruction and instruments. Christian McBride and his good friends Benny Green and Lewis Nash will host our first benefit for Jazz House Kids in the spring. The Christian McBride event will be a big success with the help of the Las Vegas Jazz Society and our loyal jazz customers. Our family is very excited and optimistic about the future of jazz in Las Vegas and Vic’s jazz club.

Vic’s Las Vegas
355 Promenade Place
Las Vegas, NV 89106
725.755.5299
www.vicslasvegas.com

Lunch: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Dinner: 4 p.m.-10 p.m.
Bar/Lounge: 10 a.m.-1 a.m.
Gaming: 10 a.m.-1 a.m.
Happy Hour: 2 p.m.-5 p.m.
(Inside the bar area)

Mae Daly’s Fine Steaks & Whiskeys entrance marquee.

Mae Daly’s Fine Steaks & Whiskeys

A Classic Steakhouse with Rich History, Elegance and a Dedication to Community

BY ELAINE & SCOTT HARRIS / PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MAE DALY’S FINE STEAKS & WHISKEYS

For the proprietors, Richard Femenella and his team, Mae Daly’s Fine Steaks & Whiskeys, located on Las Vegas Boulevard across from The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower, is a tribute to a figure deeply ingrained in Las Vegas’s history.

Already well known as an industry exemplar for establishing the Charlie Palmer restaurants and operating the Stirling Club, Femenella wanted his newest creation to be exceptional from its very inception, and that is reflected in its name. Digging deep into Las Vegas history and listening to longtime residents, he heard stories (some firsthand) about a woman named Mae Daly.

According to Mae Daly’s website, in 1928, she redefined defiance in Las Vegas by opening Mae Daly’s Saloon. She proudly boasted that respectful women were welcome and encouraged to patronize her establishment. It only took a few months for word to spread that Mae served the finest whiskeys and steaks in town.

Mae Daly was also known for her community engagement and philanthropic efforts, reflecting the collaborative spirit that characterized the city’s evolution during that period. Her contributions reportedly helped shape the hospitality industry in Las Vegas, making her a colorful figure in its history. Yet, historical records are somewhat nebulous, adding to her fictitiously famous character.

“We’re very proud to carry on her traditions of friendly service, great steaks, whiskeys and good times,” Femenella said with a smile, a testament to the enduring respect and admiration for Mae Daly.

We arrived at Mae Daly’s to the delight of complimentary valet parking on the Las Vegas Strip. Inside, the 1920s vibe was alive. Walking into gleaming white and black dotted tiled flooring, brass stamped ceilings, sparkling chandeliers, crisp linens and well-appointed tables, the pleasurable staff, beaming with gleaming smiles, said, “Welcome to Mae Daly’s,” as we were directed to the bar and lounge area for a pre-dinner cocktail.

When we approached the back-lit vintage-style bar, a familiar face greeted us. Tommy Valentin, the lead bartender, has been a fixture “behind the stick” in Las Vegas for many years, serving classic cocktails and his mixology specialties at many of the city’s finest restaurants. Valentin wasted no time pouring us a glass of his finest champagne as he informed us about the history of his long relationship with Femenella and the birth of the restaurant.

“This venue was vacant for years, so when Richard saw it, he knew this was it,” Valentin said. “We’re a fine-dining steakhouse with some of the best whiskeys and bourbons in town. We even have a special bar menu beginning at 3 p.m., with great items like a delectable burger with a special blend of prime beef. The cocktail lounge is a brilliant place to relax and enjoy live music or a fine cigar and bourbon al fresco on our patio.”

Regarding the food menu, Femenella and Tomas Espino, Mae Daly’s executive chef, created a steakhouse masterpiece we were eager to experience. They expertly serve five styles of beef, with all steaks 100% prime certified. Femenella wasted no expense procuring the best products available. Femenella and Espino joined us at our table and presented these beefy beauties to look over. We could tell something lit up in them as the presentation captured our thrilled admiration. “Hey, have you ever done a steak tasting? Let’s do it,” Femenella exclaimed. We settled in for an evening with some of the finest steaks we have ever had!

We commenced our culinary steak soiree with the Frey Ranch Filet Mignon Au Poivre, an eight-ounce deftly prepared supreme steak. It was presented to an ideal medium-rare, finished on a bed of rosemary and thyme and embellished with the redolent au Poivre sauce. The culinary theatrical apogee ended with a dramatic flambe finish with Frey Ranch’s Un-Cut Whiskey.

Also on the table is the eight-ounce Filet Mignon, slowly wet-aged for the ultimate beef flavor and tender texture, direct from renowned Allen Brothers Chicago. We continued our journey with a 16-ounce boneless New York Strip Steak from Creekstone Farms, beautifully marbled and succulent yet retaining juiciness and tenderness. The 16-ounce boneless Ribeye Steak was also procured from Allen Brothers Chicago, cooked medium rare with a big flavor and tender texture.

Moving on to dry-aged beef, Femenella insisted on the 18-ounce Ribeye Steak with bone-in, which has a richer, distinctive umami flavor and is nutty and aromatically more intense than the other cuts presented.

Naturally raised beef and grass-fed beef are pronounced on the palate with each tilt of the fork. The Piedmontese eight-ounce Filet Mignon is 100% grass-fed, naturally lean and tender, melting in our mouths with unmatched tenderness. It was a steak meant to impress. We eagerly anticipated the American Wagyu 16-ounce boneless Ribeye, graded BMS 6-7, from Rosewood Ranches in Texas. We were enthralled and pleased as it was slowly wet-aged for additional flavor. It exuded buttery tenderness and a robust yet slightly sweet flavor profile.

The steak finale featured the Certified A5 Kobe Beef, a mouthwatering, snow-aged New York Strip from cattle raised in Hyogo, one of Japan’s most diverse prefectures. Graded BMS 9-12, this steak was delicate and luxuriant on the palate—it was simply a bite we couldn’t get enough of.

Mae Daly’s isn’t just about steak by any means. Most respectable fine dining steakhouses have Surf & Turf on the menu. Dive into a brilliantly prepared eight-ounce Filet Mignon and Tristian Island Lobster Tail. The menu also has a Chilled Seafood Tower for a true gift from the sea with succulent lobster, oysters, jumbo shrimp, lump crab and clams on the half shell with traditional cocktail sauce and apple cider mignonette for a spectacular finish. The house-favorite Mediterranean Branzino is pan-seared or broiled with tangy capers and rich golden raisin agrodolce sauce. Return in time with the classic Lobster Thermidor served with shellfish stuffing and a cognac tarragon creamy sauce.

Mae Daly’s raises the bar high with service. Everyone involved in the preparation and service of the meal treats the table with a combination of dedicated teamwork and a focus on an extraordinary culinary experience. Femenella also believes in nourishing the community. Autism Community Trust (ACT), a nonprofit organization he founded, is a subject very close to his heart. Mae Daly’s, in partnership with Andrew Devitt’s Sport-Social, offers a vocational program for adults with autism who are interested in working in the restaurant industry.

“Mae Daly’s is a restaurant for the local Las Vegas community,” Femenella said. “Our company’s mission statement, culture and philosophies are focused around one word: kindness. Throughout my entire career, I have followed my belief that a business needs to give back to the community in which it prospers. I will ensure that Mae Daly’s becomes a socially responsible establishment and one of the finest steakhouses in Las Vegas.”

Ultimately, Mae Daly’s is more than just a dining venue. The restaurant strives to embody kindness and excellence, aiming to become a cherished part of Las Vegas’s culinary landscape while honoring the spirit of its namesake.

Photo of Fontainebleau Las Vegas Exterior by Connie Zhou.

Drawing Parallels

Fontainebleau Las Vegas Reimagines Glamour Across Eras

BY BRIAN G. THORNTON

As Rachel Marron, Whitney Houston’s fictional pop diva in “The Bodyguard,” stood on the corner balcony of her suite, she quipped about enjoying the view from Miami Dolphins owner Don Shula’s extravagant quarters. That moment, captured in a sweeping aerial shot alongside Kevin Costner, immortalized the Fontainebleau Miami Beach in another Hollywood classic. It wasn’t the first time this architectural gem graced the silver screen, as James Bond’s “Goldfinger” had already turned the hotel into a cinematic icon decades earlier.

My studies of Morris Lapidus in architecture school sparked my deep connection to the Fontainebleau brand—a relationship I’ve maintained for over 40 years. I vividly remember my first visit as a young architect, recognizing even then that Lapidus was a visionary designer well ahead of his time when he designed the original Fontainebleau Miami Beach in the early 1950s.

Fontainebleau’s legacy of luxury and celebrity lives on in Las Vegas, blending bold design and star-studded history. Fontainebleau Las Vegas, which debuted on Dec. 13, 2023, carries forth dramatic architecture and cultural prestige, offering a new stage for glamour after many development, economic and ownership changes.

Like its Miami Beach predecessor, Fontainebleau Las Vegas has become a design landmark, building its history while drawing parallels to the past.

Side by Side

Looking at the Las Vegas Strip’s newest destination resort and comparing it to one that was imagined and opened 70 years ago is where we will embark on telling its story. Fontainebleau Las Vegas is a long-anticipated luxury resort on the Strip, with roots dating back to 1948 when the property housed the Thunderbird Hotel. After several transformations — from the Silverbird to El Rancho — and the site’s acquisition by Turnberry Associates in 2000, it seemed destined for redevelopment. In 2005, Fontainebleau Development Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Soffer unveiled plans for a glamorous 67-story tower designed as a sister property to the iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach.

However, the road to completion was fraught with challenges. Despite ambitious plans for a $2.8 billion resort with 3,664 rooms, a massive retail mall and a unique spa inspired by Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, financial woes and the 2008 economic crash forced construction to halt in 2009 at 70% completion. The resort filed for bankruptcy, and in 2010, financier Carl Icahn acquired it, leaving the project dormant for years.

After a series of ownership changes, Fontainebleau Las Vegas finally came to life again, with plans to extend its magic in 2023. Today, it stands as a symbol of perseverance and luxury, boasting world-class amenities while embodying the grandeur of the Fontainebleau brand. This new chapter reflects not only Las Vegas’ evolving skyline but also a tribute to its rich, resilient history.

The vision Lapidus had for Fontainebleau Miami Beach in 1954 included a lot of ocean references and curvilinear shapes. Lapidus believed in creating flamboyant, theatrical and expressive architecture, rejecting the minimalist trends of the time. He coined the phrase “the architecture of joy,” which aimed to evoke emotions and create unforgettable experiences for visitors. Fontainebleau Miami Beach was revolutionary for its time, known for its curvilinear forms, dramatic use of space and opulence. The design included sweeping curves, a grand staircase (often called the “staircase to nowhere”) and a lavish sense of luxury. The feature symbolizes the hotel’s purpose as a place to be seen. The bold, serpentine façade and distinctive roofline became emblematic of his daring and playful approach to design. His use of open spaces, dramatic lighting and mirrors added a grandeur. His interior design combined classical luxury with modern materials, including lush fabrics, chandeliers and modernist furniture.

Then, there’s the social impact and cultural significance. Fontainebleau Miami Beach became synonymous with glamour and was frequented by stars like Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe. This association with high society and entertainment culture was central to its identity. The hotel symbolized post-war optimism, indulgence and the rise of Miami Beach as a luxury destination. It wasn’t just a place to stay but an experience, a stage where guests could perform their own lives.

Counterpart, Not Throwback

The $3.7 billion Fontainebleau Las Vegas marks the first major hotel opening on the Strip since Resorts World Las Vegas in 2021. Spanning 25 acres, it aims to impress travelers far beyond its prestigious name.

One feature the Miami property couldn’t offer was a casino, as gaming is prohibited in Florida. In Las Vegas, however, the casino takes center stage. Fontainebleau Las Vegas connects guests with their deepest desires in an elegant, sophisticated environment. Its expansive 150,000-square-foot casino, with soaring 42-foot ceilings, houses 1,300 slot machines and 128 table games. Unlike the older, smoky casinos with low ceilings and maze-like gaming floors, its open and airy design creates a refreshing and modern experience.

Fontainebleau Las Vegas echoes many of these original themes, translating the opulence and spectacle of Miami Beach into a modern Las Vegas context. Immediately upon arrival, the Porte-cochere canopy evokes a massive bow wave leading a cruise ship to the wake beyond. The north-facing structure sets the tone for the grandeur within. Fontainebleau Las Vegas features a 20,000-square-foot domed oval lobby, including a 5,000-square-foot VIP registration area.

The resort is an instant hub for vibrant resort lifestyle entertainment, and dining opportunities may initially seem overwhelming. Many locals have expressed their intention to make multiple visits to explore all this resort has to offer, and that’s the point the Fontainebleau Development team had in mind from inception. Just as the Miami Beach hotel hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment, the Fontainebleau Las Vegas continues this legacy.

World-Class Dining, Entertainment and Nightlife Offerings

As of its December debut, the resort offers over 30 new dining concepts and bars for guests to explore, with several more set to open in 2025.

Among the original concepts is Don’s Prime, an upscale steakhouse named after founder Jeffrey Soffer’s father, Donald Soffer, and Washing Potato, an upscale, casual dim sum spot. The Las Vegas property also boasts impressive outposts of famed dining concepts and lounges, many originating in Miami Beach but presented on a grander scale. These include Groot Hospitality’s Komodo and Papi Steak, along with Las Vegas branches of ITO—a 12-seat sushi and omakase restaurant helmed by New York chefs Masa Ito and Kevin Kim—and Mother Wolf, a cult-favorite Italian eatery from Los Angeles by chef Evan Funke.

Other stand-alone dining options include The Tavern, Vida, La Fontaine, Chyna Club and the exclusive members-only Poodle Room atop the 67-story tower. Fontainebleau Las Vegas also features the expansive Promenade Food Hall, where you can discover Capon’s Burgers, El Bagel, Miami Slice, Bar ITO, Nona’s, Roadside Taco and Après.

Looking ahead to 2025, Cantina Contramar will make its mark as the first U.S. collaboration of three celebrated Mexican culinary and creative figures: chef Gabriela Cámara, architect Frida Escobedo and Bertha González Nieves, co-founder and CEO of Tequila Casa Dragones and the first female Maestra Tequilera. The cantina will also feature the first Casa Dragones Tasting Room in the U.S.

Fontainebleau Las Vegas tapped local bar legend Juyoung Kang to bring its bar concepts to life. At Don’s Prime, Kang designed a savory cocktail featuring chimichurri herbs and yerba mate syrup, blending sophistication with a fresh twist. For Collins, a lobby bar that gets its name from the namesake Collins Avenue in Miami, she created a whimsical twist with the Sunny Peach, a mezcal libation inspired by the kiwi, her childhood favorite fruit. These bespoke connections to the ingredients add depth to the signature drinks and bar.

Fontainebleau Las Vegas also offers timeless, glamorous entertainment in a modern setting. For the resort’s inaugural New Year’s Eve festivities this past year, Post Malone headlined two sold-out New Year’s Eve shows at the 3,800-seat BleauLive Theater, a venue that dazzles with cutting-edge audio and lighting systems. Meanwhile, the 50,000-square-foot nightclub LIV, which hails from Miami Beach’s famous origin, brings world-class nightlife to the Strip with A-list entertainment and VIP service. It debuted in Las Vegas with EDM sensation John Summit as its first resident DJ. Fontainebleau Las Vegas is proving that whether it’s live shows or legendary club experiences, the party is just getting started.

Exploring the Artwork, Retail Space and a Wellness Oasis

When touring a contemporary ultra-luxury property, one unexpected activity is taking in all the bespoke and commissioned art. One such piece is “La Liaison Amoureus” by artist Tim Tadder. Its AI-generated photography blends 1950s nostalgia with modern imagery, bridging Fontainebleau Miami Beach’s history and the future of Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Another dynamic, not-to-be-missed installment is Urs Fischer’s 46-foot sculpture, “Lovers #3,” made of aluminum, stainless steel and gold leaf. It depicts two forms meeting and is designed for multiple viewpoints.

As far as shopping, the resort also boasts an impressive and growing luxury retail collection, including Alexander Wang, Chrome Hearts, Missoni and Giuseppe Zanotti.

Fontainebleau Las Vegas redefines wellness with its state-of-the-art, 55,000-square-foot Lapis Spa & Wellness, complemented by a 14,000-square-foot fitness center. Designed by Milan-based Lissoni & Partners and led by Spa Director Jennifer Lynn, it honors the legacy of Lapidus, the visionary behind the original Fontainebleau Miami Beach. His rule-breaking design ethos lives on through the spa’s amenities, offering a personalized, immersive experience that fuses ancient rejuvenation practices with cutting-edge modern therapies.

The resort also features an elevated six-acre Oasis Pool Deck with multiple bars, a restaurant and a gaming area. Designed with a vibrant, mid-century Miami Beach vibe, the pool deck delivers an unforgettable blend of relaxation and excitement with the Grand Pool, La Mer, Legacy Pool and the daylife destination LIV Beach, which were created by Groot Hospitality and David Grutman and operated by Fontainebleau Las Vegas.

Inside the Elegant Rooms and Luxury Suites

Fontainebleau Las Vegas’ accommodations embody a seamless blend of understated luxury and refined sophistication.

With 3,644 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, each space is a testament to the brand’s timeless aesthetic, brought to life by the vision of designer John Rawlins and the resort’s in-house team. A soothing palette of blue and silver, accented with soft coral tones, sets the stage for an atmosphere of calm elegance. Mercury-glass mirrors and brass accents complement silver-leaf details, pearlescent shagreen and Arabescato marble, while custom brass bowtie drawer pulls nod to Fontainebleau’s storied history. Plush, geometric carpeting in dove-grey and blue art-deco patterns underlines the fluid curves of bespoke furnishings, creating an effortlessly chic environment.

The summit of this luxury offering is the Fleur de Lis suite collection, which occupies the top five floors of the resort. With eight distinct suite options ranging from 980 to 10,000 square feet, these rooms offer a five-star, tailored experience. Dedicated butler service ensures that each guest’s stay is personalized and unforgettable, making the Fleur de Lis collection the perfect embodiment of the resort’s signature elegance and hospitality—truly a home-away-from-home, elevated to the highest standards.

The Legacy, The Lineage

Lapidus was once criticized for his “over-the-top” style but later celebrated as a visionary. His influence remains relevant today, particularly in places like Las Vegas, where showmanship in design is embraced. The revival of Fontainebleau Las Vegas can be seen as a tribute to his belief that buildings should be joyful and dramatic. Comparing the boldness of the original ideas that Lapidus had to the contemporary reimagining in Las Vegas, the entire ensemble of visionaries, architects and designers drew a parallel line between the two iconic properties. The historical significance of continuing his vision is in a city like Las Vegas, which is known for its embrace of spectacle. The resort is poised for evolving expansion and reimagination as the Las Vegas property has quickly established its lineage in Nevada.

The Resort Team

Ownership/Development Leadership
Ownership: Fontainebleau Development in partnership with Koch Real Estate Investments

Fontainebleau Development Leadership: Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Soffer, President Brett Mufson

Design
Architectural Design Lead: Carlos Zapata Studio

Design Project Lead: Fontainebleau Development Executive Vice President of Design John Rawlins

Hotel Lobby, Collins, Don’s Prime: David Collins Studio

The Tavern, Azul, Chez Bon Bon, Papi Steak, Promenade Food Hall, Komodo, Poodle Room, ITO: Rockwell Group

Lapis Spa & Wellness, Fitness Center: Lissoni & Partners
Casino Floor, Bleau Bar, Meeting & Convention Space, La Fontaine, Oasis Pool Deck: Jeffrey Beers International

Landscapes
Lifescapes International

Fontainebleau Las Vegas is located at 2777 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89109. For further reading about this iconic resort, visit www.fontainebleaulasvegas.com.