LAS VEGAS — Several years ago an entertainment professional in VegasVille recalled seeing “Legends In Concert” in the early 1990s at Imperial Palace.
The show had just added living legends to the performance. So we had the likes of Cher, Elton John, Stevie Wonder and Willie Nelson on the roster.
The show was popular among international tourists, many of whom didn’t speak English and were not involved daily entertainment news coverage in the states. They were in the audience to see these legends.
The show played out, and the old I.P. “Legends” theater was rocking. The room had something of an unsteady floor, and it was bouncing because of the excitement.
My friend mentioned the crowd’s enthusiasm to one of the crew members.
“They think they are watching the real legends,” this person said. No one bothered to inform the paying crowd these were tribute artists. Who wants to ruin a good time?
This is the type of lore attached to a 40-year Las Vegas production, the longest ongoing show in Las Vegas, having opened at I.P. in May 1983. “Legends” celebrated its anniversary at Orleans Showroom, a limited engagement that ended Saturday.
The show is as true-to-form as ever.
“Legends” is back with its “Legendary Divas” format, headed up by Strip icon Frank Marino as Joan Rivers. The “Divas” production spotlights Lady Gaga (Tierney Allen), Dolly Parton (Karen Hester), Cher (Annika Starander) and Whitney Houston (Jazmine). Showgirls are in this show, too, buoyed by a live band, backing singers and impressive staging.
“Legends” will benefit with demand created by its long pause from the stage. The show has been out of commission in Las Vegas since closing at Tropicana at the end of December. The six-month break is the longest ever for “Legends” in Las Vegas.
And Orleans is a locals hotel-casino, and most of the audience Tuesday night were aligned with the Vegas entertainment community.
“The show plays well in that room, because it is a locals room, and they know the show and know of my history in Las Vegas,” Marino says. “I keep saying this, but I love being in ‘Legends.’ It’s great to be with singers who are singing live, a live band. There is a lot of energy and talent in this show.”
“Legends” is facing stiff competition from its own long-running success. Tribute shows abound, including in the Orleans Showroom “MJ The Evolution” and “Love U2” have played Orleans Showroom this month. “Queens of Rock,” a rotation of female rock numbers has also played Orleans.
“Legends” needs to reassert its position in this climate. That is the point of this limited engagement, along with performing the show on this landmark anniversary.
