Although Elvis famously headlined the Westgate in Las Vegas (when it was the International), the only evidence of such history is in a bronze statue at the entrance, and a tribute show. However, owner David Siegel has decided to bring more Elvis into the newly renamed Westgate.
Nearly 30,000 square-feet of exhibition space will be filled with all sorts of Elvis memorabilia and exhibits, including photos and videos of his Vegas performances, a wide variety of jumpsuits, and the coveralls he wore in “Viva Las Vegas,” where he portrayed Lucky Jackson. Even the theater has been renamed the Elvis Presley Theater.
Priscilla Presley handpicked the new stage show, “The Elvis Experience.” The show features a 24-piece band dressed in 70s attire, including long-haired wigs and white suits. Songs such as “C.C. Rider,” “Burnin’ Love” and “Blue Suede Shoes” will be included alongside covers of “Unchained Melody” and “Proud Mary.”
In addition to Elvis, Siegel has brought in Suzanne Somers for the old Shimmer Cabaret, renamed for her. Siegel’s memories of Somers are primarily from “Three’s Company” and her history performing in the room in the 80s. The decisions to go retro aren’t done though, as the lobby bar in front has been named the International Bar, or Ibar for short. The plan itself follows the blueprint of the International in the Kirk Kerkorian era.
