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Harrah's Reviews
| Jack Neal, Night Clubs Reviews |
| Thursday, 15 May 2008 00:00 |
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If it isn't broken, don't fix it! However – a quick-change make over isn't a bad way to freshen up an act. Not that Greg London's "Icons" at Harrah's Reno, which opened in July 2007, needed freshening. Whatever Greg London is doing, it's working. And, of course, portraying five-dozen stars in 75 minutes, "he's" working - as in overtime. So entertaining is the indefatigable London, and his huge cast of impersonations, the entire gang could make Sammy's Showroom their permanent home and a show-business destination for those who love fine, funny entertainment. Kermit the frog joins forces with Ozzy Osbourne in one – of many - of the show's hilarious moments. Buddy Holly shows up, as does Tom Jones recapping "Delilah" and ducking sheet-size underwear. Elvis makes a nightly appearance decked out in a belt fit for one of those pumped-up chaps of WWF fame. There's more, much more, just lots of things that make this second edition of "Icons" special. The show is propelled by a solid band of four (music director and keyboardist David Zeman of The Rembrandts/Gin Blossoms fame, drummer Chris Cooke from Gary Allen's tour out of Nashville, guitarist Barbara Leoni winner Guitar Institute of Hollywood Ibanez guitar, bassist Danny Leoni, Jazz Trio of the Year many times over), plus two gorgeous girl dancers - Chelsea Thompson and Brittany Irwin, – who sing as fabulously as they dance. Danny Leoni (the one in the band) is London's sidekick in humor and his timing is perfection. He also belts a show-stopping "Biggest Little City in the World," a not half-bad signature tune for the formidable glamour of the world's one-time divorce capitol. "Icons" is glued tightly together via the shrewd wit of writers Paul Miller, David Taylor and London himself. Donny Weaver's quick-change costumes are just right for every occasion. Shirley Paxton's lighting is terrific camouflage. Thank you Mark Cockriel and Nick Brill for a sound design that enhances without deafening. Chelsea Thompson provides the choreography that fits "Icons" like a glove. David Taylor's direction creates the swift sense of timing that's so important to comedy. Greg London brings on the stars with the electricity only a very special talent generates. In an endearing way, London's "Icons" exploits the talents of some of the luminaries who played Sammy's Showroom during its days of big-name entertainment. How nice to have them back. How nice to have Greg London here to bring them back. |
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