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Wayne Newton Talks Returning to the Las Vegas Stage — “I Don’t See Myself Retiring”
Wayne Newton, who celebrated his 74th birthday on April 3, is bringing his signature sparkle back to the strip for a 36-week run with Wayne Newton: Up Close & Personal! Now, Mr. Las Vegas exclusively reveals to Closer Weekly that he is planning to stay put for the long haul.
“I don’t see myself retiring,” Wayne tells Closer. “I’ve never been happier or felt better. So with those things going for me, I hope this will continue — for another week or two, anyway!” he jokes.
After five years, Wayne made his return to Las Vegas, kicking off his new show on April 21 at Bally’s.
Wayne on the Las Vegas stage in April 2016.
Wayne recalls the conversation with his wife, Kathleen Newton, when he realized how much he missed performing: “One day, my wife asked me what was wrong,” Wayne explains. “I said, ‘You know, I kind of miss being onstage and having the things happen that can only happen there.’”
Just as the name Up Close & Personal implies, the show is a major departure from the large-scale productions he’s done in the past. “Before, we’d have a full-sized orchestra, and the shows were planned out,” Wayne tells Closer.
Wayne and Kathleen in 2013.
“This one has four musicians, and if I feel like doing something, I can just do it. But the real charm is that I have the chance to tell the audience stories about my life and share some really intimate things.”
For more on Wayne Newton, pick up the latest issue of Closer Weekly, on newsstands now!
