With the pending buyout of the Tropicana hotel-casinos in Las Vegas and Atlantic City slowly moving through approvals, owner-to-be, Columbia Sussex indicates that the existing Las Vegas buildings will not be demolished. The property will be renovated and expanded to the tune of $2 billion. The resort will be home to a new casino and more than 8,000 hotel rooms in five new towers. Construction could begin in July 2007.

PIECE OF 'DUST': Beginning Friday, a five-day auction of the Stardust's contents will be held at the casino — gaming tables, surveillance equipment, bedroom furniture, and items from the buffet and the famous race and sports book.

VETERANS PERKS: In honor of Veterans Day, U.S. military and veterans of armed forces receive free admission to "Larry G. Jones — The Man of 1002 Voices" at Fitzgeralds and to Madame Tussauds at the Venetian. Both deals are offered through November; military ID required.

Q. Has an opening date for "The Producers" been set?

A. "The Producers" will debut at Paris Las Vegas on Jan. 31. Ticket prices are $75.50 to $143.50, and former "Baywatch" star David Hasselhoff will play Roger DeBris, one of the leads in the Mel Brooks production.

For information about Las Vegas shows, buffets, coupons and deals, go to www.LasVegas Advisor.com.

Reach Anthony Curtis at (Unknown address).