Minnie began her choreography and directing career soon after, and has choreographed stage, TV, video and film. Her early credits include choreographing the "Sahara Girls," who were the opening act for such notable stars as Johnny Carson, George Carlin, Buddy Hackett, Frank Sinatra Jr. Other early credits include: the Iris Awards starring Lou Rawls, "Curtain Call" a feature film, and the musical "Applause" starring Phyllis McGuire.
A short time later, Minnie began using her artistic talents on another stage...ice. Quickly becoming known for her innovative style, she was offered the opportunity to choreograph and direct the NBC special "Nutcracker on Ice" starring Brian Boitano, Oksana Baiul, and Vicktor Petrenko, Ice Capades/ MGM Studios "The Magic of MGM," and "Christmas in Toyland," and Ice Capades/ Warner Bros. "Looney Tunes on Thin Ice" and "Batman and Robin In the Big Freeze." She went on to serve as President of Productions for Ice Capades 1996-97.
More recently, Minnie produced, directed and choreographed the ice shows: "Le Chateau Dracula," and "Ice Cold Terror" at Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, Va. Her dance-shows, "Livin' In America," "Vrooom," and "Point & Click" are currently being seen on Carnival Cruise Lines. Minnie also takes great pride in owning and publishing CallBack, The Professional Entertainers' Guide to Jobs and News Worldwide, which she established in 1989.
GINA YENSER - Director of Operations
Gina has been with CallBack since October 2004. She moved to Las Vegas as a teenager and has been a resident ever since. She spent her early childhood on Long Island, before moving to Los Angeles at the age of 13. Gina spent many years on the corporate side of the fence, working at The Mirage, and at Camden Property Management. Overseeing several areas of the business, Gina utilizes her diverse background, and is involved in Office Management, Customer Relations, and Marketing Initiatives.
Entertainment is not new to her either. Gina's father, Ralf Rost, was a bass guitar player (probably best known for his work with Dionne Warwick), and spending time traveling with him as a child has given her a knack for understanding the showbiz side of things.
Gina has raised two truly beautiful daughters, and has the best dog in the world, Candy. When she has free time she has to choose between all her loves - writing, reading, music, word games, movies, art, dining, dancing, and being a social butterfly. Along with her regular job at CallBack, Gina also helps to create ads, does interviews, writes articles, and is responsible for making sure that people are eating enough, if not in poor foreign countries, at least right here in our office. If you have a complaint or a compliment, or need help with something, contact her at: gina@callbacknews.com
CHUCK ROUNDS - Editor
Chuck Rounds has been working in the theater and entertainment industry for over twenty years. During this time, he has had the good fortune to work in professional theaters across the country, and in virtually every aspect of the theater--acting, directing, designing, producing, writing, and technical theater.
In addition to being editor of CallBack News, Chuck is the entertainment writer and host for Charleston Communications, and writes reviews of Las Vegas productions--which can be read at www.igoshows.com. He also does a weekly radio show for VegasTalkRadio.com.
He started a drama program at the Women's Correctional Center in North Las Vegas in 1998 and has produced several productions using just the inmates.
Las Vegas has been his home since 1996, and he enjoys life in the valley with his daughter, his dog, and his cats.
ANTONIO RESTIVO - Sales Manager
Antonio was born in Brooklyn, but cut his teeth in Transylvania. He has worked for CallBack for a little over a year now. Juggling this among his other many endeavors seems like a task for someone with boundless energy; which really explains how he can do three shows a night, work at CallBack by day, work out daily at the gym, and still manage a social life.
Along with his sales job here, he can also be found as Lord Vampire in Bite at the Stratosphere, and as Mordred in the Tournament of Kings Show at the Excalibur. Antonio is a Vampire with a heart of gold and a bottomless pit for a stomach. He likes to hug people when greeting them, he's always willing to help a friend in need, and he has a warm and charming demeanor. Girls think he's gorgeous, guys think he's cool, we just think he's part of the family.
He began training in the fire arts at a young age, starting with the 5 acres on Dr. Bloom's property. After the three alarm fire was put out, and the auxiliary fire department was sent home, things cooled down. Of course, Dr. Bloom wasn't very happy, but no charges were filed, and Antonio is free to continue to spread fiery good cheer, all over Vegas.
He's the one to call if you need a new marketing campaign for your entertainment business, or if you're looking to hire a fire performer, because he knows all those people. Aside from his weird penchant for all things on fire, he is a really nice guy.
Email Antonio at: firesales@callbacknews.com
SHELLI K. MARGHERITIS - Director of Show Procurement
Shelli began her career in dance at a young age. Her professional career is as expansive as her industry entrepreneurial insights. Shelli has performed all over the world on aircraft carriers as a USO dancer, numerous theatrical productions, several videos, movies, commercials, television episodes, and at the famed Rivera Hotel in Las Vegas. Returning to LA, Shelli signed with Twentieth Century Artists, Inc. and worked as a talent agent for several years, placing name talent into film, television, commercial, video and theatrical production. She has worked with some of the industries most famous talent including Bob Hope, John Ritter and Debbie Allen. She has mentored dancers for years whom have gone on to perform for Michael Jackson, Madonna, Cher, Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, Celine Dion, Jennifer Holiday, Martha Wash, The Pointer Sisters and many more. Shelli is most recognized as one of the nations leading dance convention directors with over 17 years of experience within this field. She is one of the few individuals that have, at separate times, directed two of the nations leading dance conventions and competitions, Famous Talent Competition with Debbie Allen, in addition to producing her own events.
Currently, Shelli is the owner of her own company, Solutions, Inc. (www.skmsolutions.com), which is a business that provides choreography, full scale showroom production procurement and corporate event planning and preparation. She is continually sought after as a consultant for numerous businesses, from boutique to multi-million dollar sized industry corporations. She published her first book in 2002, "Making the Move," for dancers considering a professional and/or college dance career; which is currently available thru Barnes and Noble. Her second published work, "Brain Snacks," was published in late 2004, and is widely sold throughout Europe. She continues to lecture, mentor and produce events nationally, such as "The Master Series" and "Instincts Live Media Dance Company," and has co-produced segments for the "American Choreography Awards" and "United In Dance." She is the co-producer of "The Main Event" and "The Main Event 2" with John Crutchman and Alan Sherfield, directed by Liz Imperio, containing works by Elizabeth Parkinson, Ric Robinson, Braham Crane and Terry Beeman. She is now expanding workshops internationally into Australia. Her expertise and reputation within the dance industry is highly recognized, which she continues to sustain in both areas, artistically and from the business prospective. Her skill set to implement shows into venues on a national and international level as well as integrate celebrity talent negotiations into events, has been highly recognized for her professionalism, high regard to the industry and respect for all involved. Her love and dedication to the preservation and education to the art of dance is recognized throughout the world.
