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Theater Review: “The Greg London Show”
by Ben Miles
As originally seen here: http://www.longbeachcomber.com/story.aspx?artID=2485
You don’t have to be an disciple of Ozzie Osbourne or ZZ Top to appreciate the interpretive talents of impressionist Greg London —appearing indefinitely at the Las Vegas Hilton. After all, to see London morph from his own persona into another entirely disparate character seems in itself nearly magical. Moreover, London is a skilled vocalist and capable musician, demonstrating mastery of the piano, guitar, trumpet, and harmonica.
Further, even if you are not a fan of Osbourne, et al, there are plenty of other iconic music men (and one woman: Tina Turner) whom London characterizes. At times, it is as if he is a medium channeling these various melodious luminaries.
London opens the show with a brief video segment of him confiding to a blond and buxom psychotherapist that he suffers from “voices in my head.” After his faux-frank admission, the titillating therapist seems to suggest that the cure to London’s obsession is to become a professional impersonator. The curtain then goes up and London gives us a fair to accurate take on the late Johnny Cash singing “Ring of Fire” and “Folsom Prison Blues.” Next, London is on to Joe Cocker in a full gravel vocal, along with the spastic Cocker-isms we—of a certain age—have come to know and adore.
Cleverly, London integrates his rock ‘n roll hall-of-fame countdown into his own biography. We learn that he built his formidable abilities while on the cruise ship circuit; he spent three-years as a performer in Reno; and now is headlining in his own eponymously titled show in Vegas.
Surrounded by a quartet of players — Barbara Leoni, guitar; Danny Leoni, bass; Steve Grantham, drums; Pete Sprague, keyboard and four appealingly Dionysian dancers, including Sarah Jessica Rhodes, Tarrah Leon, Christine Richards, and Kat Barker (they also provide back-up vocals) — London’s efforts pay off. In about 75 minutes we get a hint of such long-gone superstars as Louie Armstrong (horn and all), Jim Morrison, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and, of course, Elvis Presley. Plus, London assays several surviving artists, among them David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen, Willie Nelson, and Tom Jones.
While The Greg London Show is neither a laugh-riot nor a masterpiece of impersonation, it is good, family-friendly fun and sure-fire entertainment, of the sort we’ve come to expect of a Sin City Celebrity sing-alike review. Indeed, a tune-carrying, instrument banging chameleon does exist and is certain to have a long life in the Southern Nevada desert. His name is Greg London. Come see this rare and rather remarkable life form in house at the Vegas Hilton.
The Greg London Show continues indefinitely at the Hilton Hotel and Casino—3000 Paradise Road, Las Vegas. Performance times are Saturday through Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. For reservations, dial (800) 222 – 5361. For further information and online ticketing, visit www.lvhilton.com.
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