UNLV will induct legendary entertainer Wayne Newton, architect John Klai II, and actress Mary Healy Hayes into the 4th Annual Nevada Entertainer/Artist Hall of Fame at UNLV during an award ceremony at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 21 in Artemus Ham Concert Hall. Longtime Las Vegas Strip producer Frederic Apcar also will be recognized with a special Lifetime Achievement Award.
"It is truly our honor to recognize these amazing people for their talent, hard work, and dedication to Southern Nevada," said Jeffrey Koep, Dean of the College of Fine Arts. "They are all giants in their industries and we are a better community for what they continually give back. We are so very pleased they have chosen to accept this award."
Wayne Newton, one of the most decorated entertainers of all time, is a name that is synonymous with Las Vegas. Known as "Mr. Las Vegas," Newton has performed well over 25,000 shows locally, in addition to his worldwide appearances, and can still be seen today performing at The Flamingo. Newton has been recognized for his enduring service to the USO - he currently serves as Chairman of the USO Celebrity Circle - his selfless contributions to numerous philanthropic organizations, and his recognition of the Native American community.
John Klai II is recognized for designing hospitality and gaming resorts. Klai Juba Architects has many noteworthy projects including the remodel and expansion of the MGM Grand, Luxor, Hard Rock Las Vegas, Orleans, Silverton, and the design of the entire Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. Las Vegas has benefited greatly from Klai's commitment to the community. His company sponsors the Klai Juba Lecture Series at UNLV, which attracts internationally known architects to speak at the school. In addition, he personally awards an annual scholarship to the UNLV School of Architecture and is currently spearheading a campaign to endow the program through the establishment of the Council of Excellence.
Mary Healy Hayes' successful career in film, television, stage, and radio has spanned six decades. Married to Peter Lind Hayes in the 1940s, their act quickly became one of America's favorite comedy teams. As the hostess of the "Peter and Mary Show" (later known as the "Peter Lind Hayes Show") in the 1950s, Mrs. Hayes was a household television fixture. Hayes shined brightly on the silver screen as well; her name appeared in credits beginning in the 1930s all the way through the 1980s. Examples of her vast body of work include "Miracle on 34th Street," "Star Dust," "Strictly in the Groove," "The Yanks are coming," "Ride, Kelly, Ride," "20,000 Men a Year," "Second Fiddle," and the cult classic "The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T."
Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Frederic Apcar is probably best known as a pioneer in the world of the Las Vegas production show. From Paris, France to the Las Vegas Strip, Mr. Apcar took the desert by storm. His productions are remembered today as an integral part of the Las Vegas entertainment world. Countless dancers longed to be considered "Apcar Girls" featured in one of his many successful stage productions, including "Casino de Paris," "Vive Les Girls," "Bare Touch of Vegas," "Bedazzle," "Hot Streak," "Hot Shock," "Fast Company," and "Showbiz." From stages in Las Vegas at the world famous Dunes, and around the world, Apcar's productions delighted the masses.
The Nevada Entertainer/Artist Hall of Fame at UNLV was founded to honor residents of Southern Nevada who have made a significant impact on the arts, including visual and performing arts and architecture. The recipient is given The Sidney Award, named for Academy Award-winning director and Las Vegas resident George Sidney who was posthumously inducted into the inaugural Nevada Entertainer/Artist Hall of Fame at UNLV. Sidney directed such great films as "Anchors Aweigh," "Show Boat," "Kiss Me Kate," "Viva Las Vegas," and "Annie Get Your Gun."
A host of celebrities and local dignitaries will attend this year's ceremony. Expected at the event are Tony Curtis, Phyllis McGuire, Corinne Entratter-Sidney, and many more.
Tickets to the Nevada Entertainer/Artist Hall of Fame at UNLV award ceremony are $25 general admission, $10 for seniors and children, and free to all UNLV students (one ticket per valid student I.D.). They are available at the UNLV Performing Arts Center Box Office. Tickets can be purchased by calling 895-ARTS (2787).
