The Entertainer, Episode 1: Welcome to Wayne's World

From cities all over the country, they auditioned. Some were good, some were bad, but they all wanted one thing – a ticket to Las Vegas. Ten hopefuls will share 15,000 square feet of luxury high roller accommodations in the hope of winning a spot in Wayne Newton’s show – and a one year, $1,000,000 contract to headline at the Las Vegas Hilton. Viva Las Vegas!

The ten finalists check into their rooms, and are as follows:

Jacquie Aquines is from Los Angeles. She sings and plays the guitar. She believes she offers versatility, and performs with her heart, but has some self-doubt.

Marla Schultz is a comic from New York. This is a dream come true for her; she’s always wanted to appear in Las Vegas. She gushes over being in Wayne Newton’s dressing room. She talks about the photos of Wayne and Sinatra, and Wayne and Don Rickles. She thinks he needs one of Wayne and Marla.

Dave Russo is from Boston, and is a comic. He’s doing it for himself, and hopes to see a show in a few years called “The Entertainer – Starring Dave Russo.”

Delisco is from New York City. He sings, writes songs, does poetry, and plays a little harmonica. He wants to show the world what he has to offer.

Sarah Darling is from Nashville, and dreams of becoming a country singer. She thinks she can touch people through her singing.

Theresa Bruneau is from California, and is a singer, dancer, and actress. She’s not here to get attention – she has something to say. She was excited by Wayne’s dressing room and wants to meet him.

Paul Sperrazza is from Westbury, New York, and is a jack of all trades, though most involve using his voice. The others think he’s talented.

Joe Trammel is from Las Vegas, and is a physical comic. His mom raised him; his dad wasn’t around. His own daughter is the apple of his eye, and if this boosts his career, he can take better care of her. Marla notes he gets laughs just through his facial expressions.

Nathan Burton is a comedy magician. He hopes to be the biggest magician in the world, but worries about the price to make it that far.

Jennifer Joseph is from Las Vegas, and is a singer. She believes she’s a strong singer and performer, and is an asset to any team. She believes she can be The Entertainer.

The contestants are asked to report to the stage, and a spotlight shines on Wayne Newton. The would be stars are star-struck – they didn’t know Wayne was their host. He welcomes them to Las Vegas and congratulates them on being the finalists. One of them will be crowned “The Entertainer.” They will have to earn it, but the rewards will be worth it. He tells them to look at each other, because they will not only be the competition, but also their allies in winning the show.

Wayne has brought some help – people he’s known for years. One is Scotty Alexander, who’s been his bandleader for years. The other is award-winning singer Frances Lee. With their help, Wayne will decide who stays and who goes home each week. One thing he’s looking for is somebody who can perform and improvise a show on a moment’s notice. Wayne talks about a handshake visit he did in Iraq, which he turned into an improvised show, even without equipment or musicians.

Wayne breaks the contestants into a red team and a black team (no doubt after the two main colors in roulette). Delisco, David, Sarah, Jennifer, and Joe are one the red team. Marla, Jacquie, Paul, Nathan, and Theresa make up the black team. He wants them to put together a show that will highlight all of their talents. He’s providing a band to back them up. Wayne says he will pick the winning act – somebody might be going home. They have one hour to figure out what kind of show to put on – starting now.

The teams race to get their costumes, with Marla saying she felt like a contestant on Survivor – except the boat took off without her. The black team scrambles to find a show concept, with Nathan working to get them to work together as a team even as each person talks about their individual acts. They figure out two numbers they can do, with Marla worrying that these will just highlight Theresa and Jacquie. Marla thinks she’s on the Titanic – without a lifeboat. Jacquie and Theresa change their songs at the last minute, without letting anybody else know. The somehow didn’t think it was important. Nathan and Paul complain about the change in plan.

Meanwhile, the red team figures out their individual talents, but Joe worries about his place since as a prop comic, he needs stuff in order to highlight his talent. Dave offers to be the emcee. Jennifer wants him to shut up since his idea is dominating everything. Delisco complains that the concept keeps changing, and they only have fifteen minutes left to figure out their show.