| Today Las Vegas - Making of an Icon |
| Monday, 23 August 2010 00:00 |
 The name Greg London might be something that you will be hearing more of in the future. Yes, there’s a new impressionist in town, though that’s just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what else he can do – he’s a singer, actor, musician, satirist, comedian, song writer, show writer, producer and impressionist – his list of talents almost as long as the number of celebrities he impersonates. Up until a year ago, London had been garnering rave reviews in Reno, Nevada; and prior to that, he enjoyed success in The Venue at Leicester Square, in London’s West End with a twomonth solo show. His record-breaking two and a half year run in Sammy’s Showroom at Harrah’s Reno, in “Iconman,” garnered him “Nevada Magazine’s 2009 Entertainer of the Year Award;” along with critical acclaim. It is these successes that London is banking on with his latest show at the Riviera Hotel and his move, Strip-side – obviously hoping that the Vegas audience and reception will be as warm, if not warmer, than the first two shows. “I am really looking forward to the next part of my incredible journey, performing in Las Vegas,” says London. “From The Rat Pack to Celine Dion, and the multiple Cirque du Soleil shows on The Strip, Vegas is such a historical place filled with great entertainment, and I am excited to be part of that exciting, glamorous tradition. When I first conceived “Icons,” my dream was to perform on the West End of London, and I achieved that. When I brought it to America, I was blessed to find a longtime home in Reno, where I brought joy to thousands of people. Now I’m in a place where established legends make their home and I plan to be who I am and have the greatest time in the world.” We caught the show two weeks after the soft opening, and got an idea of what the fuss is all about. You might even want to know a bit of London’s background perhaps to fully appreciate his show. Born in Northern California, to an English mother and American father, London spent most of his ‘young life’ in England, where he went to school. As a child, he played the trumpet with his grandfather in the Salvation Army’s brass band, and later played first chair trumpet in the California Youth Symphony. The godson of English trumpeter Ronnie Hunt, whose claim to fame include the Coronation Street signature tune, London taught himself to play several musical instruments and regularly performs the trumpet, guitar, piano, harmonica and percussion instruments in his shows. Throughout his early years, he was heavily involved in theatre and musical comedy, both in England and America; starring in such productions as Anything Goes, Carousel, Guys and Dolls; as well as gaining roles in TV and film. In the mid-‘80’s, he formed a band, playing many dates in clubs all over California, Nevada, Arizona and Colorado – and it was here where he began to make a name for himself in the corporate-entertainment circuit. Following this success, and like all performers who dream of having their own show, without having to be constantly on the road, he first produced a show in England, and then, followed it with a residency in Reno, Nevada. And now, Las Vegas. London’s Strip-show seems to use the same formula of an “ever-developing” concept – which is another way of saying, “We’re going to take out what doesn’t work,” without actually saying it. Like most impressions, some are “hits,” and some are “misses.” For example, I think his bit on Ozzy Osbourne is destined to be a classic. His impressions of Louis Armstrong and Kermit the Frog (who also happen to be in every impressionist’s repertoire – along with Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Elvis) were pretty spot-on. Most impressive was that he actually played the trumpet – I guess those music lessons paid off. That said, his “Elvis” was great, as well as the BeeGees (or at least the one Gibb brother), Julio Iglesias (surprisingly), and the segment on Barry Manilow – hilarious more for his made-up lyrics to “I Write the Songs” than anything else. The great thing about London’s show is that he’s not afraid to parody even himself, which makes for a refreshing change. He pokes fun at himself while recalling his earlier auditions and casting calls, and he’s self-mocking on the issue of doing “cruise-ship gigs” while “selling-out” at the same time. (Cue “The Love Boat” theme). Perhaps therein lies the challenge – because the man is talented, that’s for sure – the question is, does he continue to sell himself as a musical impressionist – being famous for aping the famous? Or does he sell Greg London as “Greg London”? He is actually considered a “breakthrough artist” to fans of adult contemporary music – his single “Everything I Own” was the highest charting new artist release on an independent label, and he’s made Music Connection Magazine’s list of “Hot 100 Artists of 2009.” Only time will tell. For now though, he seems to be enjoying it too much to “jump ship,” saying, “The typical impressionist just does one character after another, but I enjoy being more innovative and original in my approach to this exciting performance art form. So call me the “Bed, Bath and Beyond of impressionists.” I want to be the “beyond” guy.” -Rachel M. Sugay Greg London’s Icons, Riviera Hotel. Show times are 7 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Tickets are $39.99, $59.99 and $69.99. To purchase, call 702-794-9433. |
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