Who doesn’t like hearing bangers with the volume turned up? In what has become an annual, most enjoyable musical cavalcade, Legends in Concert returns for its eighth iteration at The Palms at Crown. While the line-up of big-name tribute artists varies from year to year, the good times keep on rolling.
This season, after a brief Taylor Swift opener, it is Pat Benatar, Michael Bublé, Dolly Parton and Cher before the break. Thereafter, Swift returns for a longer set, followed by Whitney Houston and topped off by the King of Rock ‘N Roll, Elvis Presley.
Complete with a finely tuned four-piece band, two melodic female back-up singers and eight polished dancers, hit follows glorious hit. Colourful, glitzy costume changes are undoubtedly part of the attraction. So, too, the giant video screen behind the artists and two large screens on either side of the venue.
Stacey Whitton Summers rocks out as Benatar and how! She is out to have a good time and makes sure we all do. The ‘80s are back with a vengeance. Bublé is noted for his silky, smooth vocals and effortless charm. Josh Smith channels the Canadian crooner with aplomb.
If country twang is what you are after, Karen Hester has Dolly Parton down pat. From her opening note, you could swear the loveable Dolly was in the house. The sultry sound of Cher comes flooding back in the form of Trisha McCluney, who provides one of the many highlights of the evening. She, along with a number of artists and dancers, struts the aisles of The Palms at Crown. She plucks out a male patron to briefly join her on stage and try to warble a handful of words. It goes down a treat.
With the mega successful Eras world tour still ringing in our ears, Elizabeth Burnett brings with her Tay Tay’s energy. Jazmine’s vocals as Whitney Houston are a revelation. Her tone, power and precision are next level. And, as his name suggests, Bill Cherry is the consummate treat to bring the production to a fitting climax. What a wonderful, timbre filled voice and stage presence!
Several times seen front and centre, musical director George Safire is a powerhouse on electric guitar. So, too, his band mates on bass, drums and keyboard.
From Hit Me with Your Best Shot, Feeling Good, 9 to 5 and Turn Back Time, to Shake It Off, I Will Always Love You and Suspicious Minds, the concert becomes a showcase of happy memories. Legends in Concert is all about wall to wall, mood lifting entertainment. At two hours plus, it continues to deliver.
It is on at The Palms at Crown until 24th January, 2026.
Alex First
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- Legends in Concert (The Palms at Crown) – theatre review
- Legends in Concert (The Palms at Crown) – music theatre review
- Legends in Concert (The Palms at Crown) – music theatre review
Alex First is the editor of The Blurb. Alex is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He also contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.