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The Star (formally known as Star City Casino) shipped in quite a few celebs tonight, but sadly no Lionel Ritchie.
But wait, Australia's 'Queen KAK' Kerry-Anne Kennerley helped save the day (and night) with her Cinderella like high heel shoe performance of kinds, upon the TV queens' red carpet entrance.
At least one unidentified female Sydney based photographer was seen madly snapping away at Kennerley as she ducked for cover in a corner and fixed up her bad shoe day, with assist from hubby John. Darlings, we must say that 'Queen KAK' looking gorgeous and handled the situation with ease, even offering friendly waves for the photographers, and generous interviews with press from all outlets.
The Star appears to have succeeded in its almost $1 billion make-over, boosted along by the currency of celebrity (thank you for the phrase Bono, and we hope to see you here soon, since your mate Bob Geldoff kindly dropped in a few months ago).
Wonderful to see a solid spread of Australian music media icons such as Molly Meldrum and Richard "Wilde" Wilkins". A media insider tried to tell us that Ronan Keating and Angry Anderson (Rose Tattoo - love your slot game Mr Anderson) were spotted on site, but the latest news is that it was just media spin in attempt to get extra celebrity rub for the night, that wasn't really that badly needed anyway.
We can now confirm that Olivia Newton-John was snuck into Sydney yesterday to prepare for her role as special ribbon cutter. How would you like that on your CV? Is Lionel Richie ever going to forgive her for stealing his otherwise pre arranged spot!
Conspicuous by their absence were NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell and Lord Mayor Clover Moore. We're guessing they're not exactly passionate punters, but The Star is as much about entertainment as it is gambling, so go figure.
The Star calls itself a "one-of-a-kind leisure and entertainment venue". "Queen KAK", Molly and Wilkins seemed to buy into that pitch, but will the average Sydneysider? Bean counters at Echo Entertainment, parent of The Star should know the trends within a few short months.
The rather rich $860 million transformation of Star City includes the re-orientation of the building to embrace Sydney Harbour and the city skyline. Once fully complete, The Star will boast more than 20 restaurants, bars and cafes. There's also going to be a luxury boutique hotel and 16 room spa... perfect for the spa parties naughty little boys and girls just dream of, and an upscale retail collection, a 4000 capacity entertainment centre and world class gaming areas, where you can play the classic slots like Cleopatra and new Hollywood themed games like 'Pink Panther and IGT's 'Sex And The City'.
Created by internationally acclaimed events producer David Grant, the ceremonial opening featured an impressive dazzling light and visual arts display, centred on The Star’s new glass façade harbour-side entrance.
250 guests were picked up by motor yachts from The Rocks and brought across to Pyrmont Bay where they did the red carpet, but no one did it quite like 'Our Kerry-Anne', also assisted by her prince charming husband, John.
Guests dined in to a couple of The Star’s new showcase restaurants – BLACK by ezard and Balla. The jury is out as to whether news media was invited in or not, and an insider whispered "One crazy pap reckons Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire were dining. Yeah right Casino Jack. Talk about pushing the celeb angle".
The after-party at The Star’s new cocktail lounge, Cherry, was rocking, and our spies tell us there was no Leo or Toby, but a number of 'Underbelly Razor' actors were spotted, but requested to not have their identity revealed. A few minutes walk away the Rock Lily venue pumped thanks to Australian band Potbelleez.
The Star's hotel accommodation sure looks real accommodating, and we're looking forward to doing a review of one of the fit for a king and queen rooms when the opportunity presents. Might even upstage The Hilton and Palazzo Versace Gold Coast, so stay tuned for that darlings.
Tonight may have been a big night at The Star, but our media mates tipped us off on a few huge big gigs coming up at the former ugly duckling casino, and stars, celebs and tons of world class entertainment are in the wind, all overlooking Sydney's world famous harbour. Comon' Aussies - be a star, and check it out soon. You're in for a real treat.
*photography by Eva Rinaldi Photography
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The Star
http://www.star.com.au
Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography
Eva Rinaldi Photography
http://www.evarinaldi.com
*photography by Eva Rinaldi Photography
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The Star
Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr
Eva Rinaldi Photography
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