By Joe Buda
Las Vegas Informer
Pia Zadora returned to entertaining from a 15-year absence by wowing the crowd at the Smith Center on Friday July, 27.
Zadora packed the room at the center’s Cabaret Jazz, an intimate setting which enhanced the personal feeling of the show. The best way to describe Cabaret Jazz is unique and sophisticated.
The show opened with an introductory video by Frank Sinatra, with whom Pia used to perform.
In fact, according to Zadora, “The most exciting time of my life was opening for Frank at the Riviera.”
Zadora also performed with Sinatra and Don Rickels on their cross country tour.
From the opening moment to the end of the show, Zadora owned the room. A 15-year absence has not diminished her powerful voice and she didn’t miss a beat.
Zadora genuinely looked like she was having fun, a feeling that was passed onto the audience. Throughout the show Zadora talked about her life, performing in the past and even joked about her multiple marriages.
Joining Zadora onstage was an eight piece orchestra, which included Vincent Falcone, who was Sinatra’s conductor and pianist.
Several special guests were in the audience including Las Vegas celebrities Rich Little, Steve Rossi, Kelly Clinton-Holmes and Frank Marino.
But one member of the audience actually sang with Zadora. That person was opera singer Bill Fayne. Their duet together was nothing short of stunning.
One final guest, Councilman Bob Beers gave a proclamation from Mayor Carolyn Goodman declaring that the weekend was “Pia Zadora Weekend.” This news brought a round of thunderous applause from the audience.
The performance ended with a standing ovation and a wish that the music would last forever.
Afterwards, we sat down and spoke with Pia Zadora.
“It felt like somebody shook me out of a coma,” Zadora explained when asked what it was like to perform again after 15 years.
She described the adrenaline surge of performing again to that of running toward a cliff.
“This time I’m enjoying it much more,” Zadora noted. “This time I’m feeling I’m more comfortable with myself. I’m having more fun and I can be a little outrageous. And I enjoy being outrageous.”
“I feel like it’s right for me to do this now,” continued Zadora.
Zadora felt that performing now is less choreographed than in the past.
“I have to feel it from the inside,” Zadora explained. “That’s when I feel I am doing the right thing.”
“I want to bring my experiences to people,” continued Zadora.
For the future, Zadora would like to remain performing in Las Vegas.
“I want to stay in Vegas,” Zadora explained. “I love it here and feel at home here.”
“It is a very special town,” Zadora added. “I love the audiences.”
Zadora is still getting to know the town “little-by-little.” Some of her favorite places in Las Vegas include the Artisan (for dancing), Mundo (for Latin cuisine) and Frank Marino’s show.
“I get a kick out of his (Frank Marino’s) show every time I go see it,” Zadora explained. “It’s such high energy and so fun.”
She also frequents Cabaret Jazz as well. “I’ve been here a lot in this room a lot.”
As for Cabaret Jazz, “It is much different than I ever expected,” Zadora stated. “It’s much more elegant. There is a euro-vibe to it.”
“You’d see something like this in London,” remarked Zadora.
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