Los Angeles, October 15, 2004 -- What happens in Vegas, doesn’t always stay in Vegas, as E! Networks joins Mr. Las Vegas himself, Wayne Newton, in his nationwide search for the next Las Vegas Superstar in this new 10-part reality drama “The Entertainer” set to debut in January 2005 on E! Entertainment Television. The announcement was made today by Ted Harbert, President & CEO, E! Networks.

'The Entertainer' is the creation of Lee Brownstein of Kandor Entertainment, who will also executive produce along with Howard Barish of Kandor Entertainment, Larry Tanz of LivePlanet and Wayne Newton.

“Las Vegas has become the entertainment capital of the world and Wayne Newton deserves much of the credit for this reputation,” said Harbert. “We are thrilled to join one of the world’s most loved entertainers as he searches for the headliner of the future.”

'I am so excited about working on and seeing this project through to fruition with E!. I believe this show will fill a much needed void in the training ground of onstage performers that no longer exists,” said Newton. “It is a win, win for our audience, talent, our town and entertainment. What could be more fun and worthwhile?'

Over the course of the series, ten performers--including male and female vocalists, illusionists, comedians, and specialty act performers--each take a gamble on their talents for a chance for the “gig of a lifetime.” The group, all of whom must possess a unique combination of raw talent, creativity, teamwork and stamina, will endure grueling performance challenges, as well as tasks that take the participants behind the scenes at the most exciting locations on and off The Strip.

Each week, Newton, along with his mainstay team of judges and a celebrity guest judge, cut the deck of finalists until only one shining star is left. The last one left on the stage will not only perform alongside the legendary entertainer during the grand finale episode, but will also receive a special Dankeschoen that only Newton could give, a chance to become a featured performer in Wayne Newton’s award-winning Las Vegas show!

About Wayne Newton
Wayne Newton is one of the last true performing icons. He has performed, at last count in 2004, over 25,000 live shows in Las Vegas alone. He was mentored by and has performed with many of the legends - Jacky Gleason, Lucille Ball, George Burns, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Jack Benny, Bobby Darin - and so many more.

Wayne is a multi-instrumentalist (he plays over 13 instruments) and has enjoyed a string of popular hits that are still known as iconic recordings today, such as “Heart,” “Danke Schoen,” “Red Roses For A Blue Lady,” “Summer Wind,” “Dreams Of The Everyday Housewife” and “Daddy Don’t You Walk So Fast.” To date, Wayne Newton has recorded 160 albums. He has appeared in over 30 films and television shows.

After decades of performing, he shows no signs of slowing down, which is great news to the multitude of fans that pack his sold out shows all over the world. In the words of Merv Griffin “Las Vegas without Wayne Newton is like Disneyland without Mickey Mouse”.


Auditions are being held nationwide to find the next Las Vegas Superstar!

Seeking talented performers over the age of 21 – such as vocalists, comedians, illusionists and other exciting specialty performers – that have what it takes to compete for an opportunity to appear in a major Las Vegas production performing with Wayne Newton.

LA Open Call: October 23rd 11am
MysticArt Pictures
1918 W. Magnolia Blvd., Suite 206
Burbank, CA 91506

Nashville Open Call: October 23rd 10am - 6pm
Molyneux Entertainment
312 9th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37203

Atlanta Open Call: October 29th 10am - 6pm
The Professional Actor's Studio
2849 Piedmont Road, NE
Atlanta, GA 30305

New York Open Call: October 29th 10am - 6pm
Ripley Grier Studios
520 8th Avenue, 16th Floor
New York, NY 10018

Las Vegas Open Call: October 29th 11am
Candlewood Suites
4034 South Paradise Road
Las Vegas, NV 89109

Chicago Open Call: October 29th 11am-4pm
Lou Conte Dance Studios
1147 W. Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60607

Visit www.Eonline.com/wayne for nationwide casting call information