Vegas Show News: Toni Braxton, Guggenheim, Declaration of Independence

Toni Braxton Cancels More Shows Due to Illness

Earlier this week, resident Flamingo chanteuse Toni Braxton experienced chest pain during her performance and was taken to the hospital. It is believed this was related to the ongoing treatments she has been receiving for pericarditis (an inflamed lining of the heart), a condition she was diagnosed with following the birth of her second son.

Since then, Braxton has canceled all of her shows at the Flamingo and word comes today that the next two weeks of shows are also going to be canceled. She will then take a pre-scheduled two week vacation. A Flamingo spokesperson says that Braxton plans to resume her regular performance schedule May 7th, barring any more medical complications.

In the meantime, if you are holding a ticket for any of Braxton’s canceled shows, you can return your tickets to the Flamingo box office for seats for another show or a full refund.

We wish Ms. Braxton a speedy and full recovery.

“Toni Braxton: Revealed” showtimes are at 7:30pm Tuesdays through Saturdays. Tickets are $69, $89 and $109 and can purchased at the Flamingo box office or by phone at 702. 733.3333.

* * * * * * * * * *

Guggenheim to Close at The Venetian

Word comes this week that the Guggenheim-Hermitage museum at The Venetian is closing its doors. The museum has been facing declining attendance and a lack of funds for years, but is no longer going to continue the fight to stay open.

The only good news to come out of this is that from now until the museum closes for good on May 11, 2008, the $15 admission charge is being waived so everyone can enjoy the art collection one last time for free.

The Guggenheim-Hermitage is open daily from 9:30am until 7:30pm. The current exhibition, “Modern Masters from the Guggenheim Collection,” has been extended to run until the museum’s closing date.

* * * * * * * * * *

Rare Declaration of Independence Copy To Show at Madame Tussauds

If you’re in Las Vegas this Monday, April 14th, and you have an interest in American history, you’ll want to head over to Madame Tussauds Las Vegas at The Venetian. For one day only, from 10am until 7pm, a rare, original copy of the Declaration of Independence will be on display in the Spirit of America Room.

It’s all a part of the Cricket Wireless Declaration Road Trip 2008, an educational multimedia exhibit sponsored by the nonpartisan youth voter initiative Declare Yourself.

In addition to viewing the document, visitors can watch an informative Declare Yourself video hosted by actress Reese Witherspoon, a descendant of one of the original signers of the document, explaining the history and contemporary relevance of the Declaration. A 14-minute film produced by Norman Lear and Rob Reiner will also be shown and features a powerful theatrical reading of the Declaration of Independence by a distinguished group of actors, including Mel Gibson, Morgan Freeman, Whoopi Goldberg, Kevin Spacey, Michael Douglas, and Renee Zellweger, among others.

Admission to the event is completely free.