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The
Aladdin was originally opened in 1963 as the Tally-Ho. It
was later called King's Crown in 1964 and failed after six
months when it was denied a gaming license.|
In
1966, the King's Crown was purchased by Milton Prell, and
the hotel got a $3 million renovation, including a new 500
seat "Bagdad Theater" showroom. Prell turned the
English-themed hotel into an Arabian Nights theme, but kept
the original Tudor room wings. A serrated canopy and a $750,000
15-story Aladdin's Lamp sign were also added.
 The
Aladdin opened on April 1, 1966, with flower petals pouring
from the ceiling and onto guests as they entered the hall.
One guest was composer-pianist Warren Richards. The opening
entertainment included comedian Jackie Mason, the "Jet
Set Revue," a musical review that showcased The Three
Cheers and the Petite Rockette Dancers in the Bagdad Theatre.
Prell
introduced an innovative main-showroom policy by offering
three completely different shows twice nightly with no cover
or minimum charges.
The
Aladdin contained a golf course, 9 hole par 3.
A
little after a year it was opened, the Aladdin was host to
Elvis and Priscilla Presley's wedding.
In
August of 1969, the Aladdin completed a $750,000 makeover
including renovations to the Sinbad Lounge which became enclosed
and leveled above the casino floor with Arabic motif.
Also
in 1969, Parvin Dohrmann Corporation took over the Aladdin
and in 1972, using the name Recrion Corporation, sold it to
Sam Diamond, St. Louis politician Peter Webbe, Sorkis Webbe,
and Richard Daly for the price of just $5 million. Under the
Webbes, a $60 million face lift was conducted including the
addition of a 19-story tower, and the new 7,500 seat Performing
Arts Center replacing the golf course, which was $4 million
over budget.
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