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MGM Grand's 'EFX' Ready to Rock 'n' Roll Into 2001 With Superstar Headliner Rick Springfield in Starring Role

Springfield's new role in ``EFX'' will be created to showcase the diverse talents of this multi-platinum recording artist. As the star of ``EFX,'' Rick and the creators of the show will infuse added elements of rock 'n' roll to the 2001 edition to capitalize on the success of Rick's 30-year career in the music and concert industry. Known for energizing audiences and an avid fan base, Springfield will most certainly revitalize ``EFX'' with a greater level of audience interaction.

Along with the release of ``Rick Springfield Alive - Greatest Hits Live,'' Springfield has just completed a 150-date concert tour, new acting projects such as a role in ``Suddenly Susan,'' and a Broadway run in ``Smokey Joe's Cafe.'' He has sold more than 18 million records in a 13-album career and will add to that with the debut of ``Rick Springfield Alive - Greatest Hits Live.''

Springfield has enjoyed 17 singles breaking into the Top Twenty including hits such as ``Jessie's Girl,'' ``Don't Talk to Strangers'' and ``Affair of the Heart.''

On the acting side, he has starred in numerous television series prior to taking on the role of heartthrob Dr. Noah Drake on the soap, ``General Hospital,'' for a year and a half. Rick followed that with a starring role in the movie, ``Hard to Hold.''

``Starring in a major Las Vegas production such as 'EFX' at the MGM Grand will allow me to do what I love most -- mix theatre and music,'' said Springfield. ``We plan to make this version of 'EFX' truly different with the creation of show-oriented rock music. The vibe in the city is so much different now, and I'm really looking forward to performing live in Las Vegas. The challenge will be to take this award-winning and very popular show to the next level. I'm very excited about working with this exceptional creative team and can't wait to open the show in January,'' added Springfield.

``We are thrilled to have Rick join the MGM MIRAGE family,'' said Richard Sturm, President & COO of MGM MIRAGE Entertainment and Sports. ``The combination of 'EFX' and Rick Springfield will be a winning one and will allow us to maximize the original success of the show with Rick's many talents and his amazing charisma on stage. This newest evolution of 'EFX' will certainly add a rock 'n' roll level of energy to the 'EFX' Theatre.''

``EFX'' has previously been named the city's best production show in the Las Vegas Review-Journal's annual Best of Las Vegas poll. The show appears twice nightly Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Tickets, priced at $75 and $55 or $40 for children ages 5-12, can be purchased through MGM Grand Reservations by calling (800) 929-1111 or (702) 891-7777.

The critically acclaimed ``EFX'' opened in March 1995. The show's name is inspired by the term in stage and film, which applies to the special effects that give a production its magical punch. MGM Grand spent $45 million on the production and another $30 million on its permanent home, the ``EFX'' Theatre, which features 6,000 lights, 85,000 watts of stereo sound, NASA computer technology and enough electricity to power 1,440 homes.

MGM Grand, ``The City of Entertainment,'' is a wholly owned subsidiary of MGM MIRAGE(TM). The resort features 5,034 newly renovated, art deco-themed guest rooms and suites, a state-of-the-art gaming complex, world-class entertainment venues, and the $100 million Conference Center for meetings/conventions all centrally located on the Las Vegas Strip. For room availability and information about the MGM Grand, call (800) 929-1111 or (702) 891-7777

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