The Palms at Crown is rockin’ out to some of the legends of the music business – from Prince to Michael Jackson, Madonna to Elvis and more besides with Legends in Concert. The original, largest and widely regarded as the world’s greatest live celebrity tribute show is out here directly from Las Vegas.
Complete with a five-piece band, two back up singers and eight dancers – four male and four female – this internationally acclaimed production takes a journey through familiar musical territory. Some of the truly great numbers of the 20th century are among the repertoire. Apart from the names I have already mentioned, David Bowie, Adele and Olivia Newton-John also get a look in. The tribute artists who assume their personas have excellent voices, reminiscent of the real deal. I particularly warmed to the last three acts, namely Michael Jackson, Adele and Elvis.
Legends in Concert made its Las Vegas debut in 1983 as an initial six-week engagement at Imperial Palace Hotel and Casino. It is now the longest-running show in that city’s history. The production travels constantly around the world with thousands of performances on cruise ships, in numerous theatres and in casino showrooms, but it was last at Crown more than 15 years ago.
Legends starts with a short video screen presentation using synonyms for the word “Legend”. Quite frankly, I didn’t think that was necessary. Then Frank Moore comes out as The Purple One, ahead of Kelly Smith performing as Olivia Newton-John. She was chosen by Newton-John herself in a worldwide “You’re the One That I Want” contest held last year. Next up is David Brighton as David Bowie to complete the 50-minute set before interval. Then Kim Goltry, in the guise of The Material Girl, sashays onto stage, before The King of Pop or MJ (Damian Brantley), Adele (JC Brando) and the man who never left the building (Kevin Mills).
As the performers take their turns the two video screens at The Palms display archival footage of the famous artists. I thought the second set had more energy than the first and Elvis, the most replicated of the adored and adulated, simply had to close … and close the show he did with aplomb. Legends in Concert lasts about two hours (excluding interval) and there appeared to be a lot of love in the jam-packed auditorium.
The “replicas” have entertained more than 30 million fans over the past 33 years and they aren’t about to stop any time soon. They are performing at The Palms at Crown until 29th January.
Alex First
David Edwards is the editor of The Blurb and a contributor on film and television
