Strip shows revisit COVID shutdowns
SHOW closings are trickling in again. The hope from here is that it doesn’t turn into the tidal wave of March 2020.
Superstar David Copperfield has closed his shows this week, through Friday night, citing multiple COVID cases in his operation at the MGM Grand. Copperfield has knocked down a total of eight shows (he runs two shows per night during the week and Sundays) but is due back for his 4 p.m. Saturday matinee.
Word is that Copperfield himself is fine and just needs to get through this week for his team to return to work.
Linq headliner Mat Franco has closed his shows through Friday, then has a scheduled “dark” through Jan. 17. He has tested positive for COVID but on Monday said he is feeling OK and has been fully vaxxed and boosted.
The Las Vegas Philharmonic announced Tuesday that its Spotlight concert scheduled for Thursday at Troesh Studio Theater at The Smith Center is postponed, also due to COVID-19. The ensemble performance is to be rescheduled. The shows March 3 and April 7 are still on the books.
Also, Xavier Mortimer paused his “Dream Maker” show at The Strat on Sunday and Monday. The headlining magician’s co-star, Allie Sparks, had tested positive for COVID. The show is now on a scheduled break through Jan. 14.
Across the city, even producers of shows that have been able to perform are using “luckily” in their updates.
‘Legends’ goes ‘Diva’
Every night will be ladies night for “Legends in Concert” at the Tropicana’s Legends in Concert Theatre in 2022.
The longest-running ongoing production show in Las Vegas is dialing up an offshoot production, “Legendary Divas,” starring Frank Marino as Joan Rivers and the production company’s first all-women lineup.
The show opens Feb. 2 with tributes to Cher, Celine Dion, Lady Gaga and Adele. The production’s schedule is open-ended, running at
7:30 p.m. daily (dark Tuesdays). Tickets will be $54.99 to $104.99 (not including fees), with the on-sale date to be announced.
“We are thrilled to return for the fourth season in our namesake theater, at Tropicana Las Vegas,” Brian Brigner, the show’s chief operating officer, said in a statement. “This all-new show feels like the ultimate celebration of women.”
The show’s Dion, Elisa Furr, prevailed on the E! competition show “Clash of the Cover Bands” in November, topping Aretha Franklin artist Elaine Gibbs by nailing “My Heart Will Go On.” Cher will be performed by Lisa Mcclowry. Tierney Allen, a cancer survivor during COVID, is back as Lady Gaga. Janae Longo takes on the show’s newest female tribute, Adele.
The “Legendary Divas” host is himself a legendary diva. Marino, late of “Divas
Las Vegas,” is returning to the “Legends” cast after saying goodbye (temporarily) in December. With Marino at the helm, “Legendary Divas” will serve as the only “Legends” show in Las Vegas.
Tropicana has become Tribute Central, with “Legends” notched between “MJ Live” (which opens Feb. 7, moving from The Strat) and Jason Tenner’s Prince homage, Purple Reign.
The new “Legends” show will follow the familiar “Legends” format with live vocals, a live band, showgirls and backing singers.
The production is the latest partnership of two enduring Vegas entertainment brands. “Legends” opened at the Imperial Palace in 1983. Marino opened in “Evening at La Cage” in September 1986 and has since fronted “Divas Las Vegas” at The Linq Hotel and finally “Legends,” from August 2019 through December.
Marino still plans to tour “Divas” this month and host his “Diva-licious Drag Brunch” shows at DW Bistro.
“I love, love, love the ‘Legends’ show and the hotel. I’ve been having the best time with them,” Marino said Tuesday. “This is a perfect fit. It’s a marriage I hope never ends.”
King in the house
Elle King is performing where “The King” himself once presided. The singer-songwriter-musician is playing the International Theater at Westgate Las Vegas on March 31, the hotel announced Tuesday. Tickets are on sale at 10 a.m. Friday. King earned a pair of Grammy nominations for her top-10 hit “Ex’s & Oh’s” from her debut album, “Love Stuff.” King has also been the opening act for such acts as Train, The Chicks, Heart, Joan Jett, Michael Kiwanuka and Miranda Lambert.
Great Moments in Social Media
Wassa Coulibaly of Baobab Stage and Wassa Boutique at Town Square is showing off her fashions (including a fast-motion clip of her dressing a mannequin) on her @ wassaboutique Reels feed. Check it all out. Dazzling stuff.
Cool Hang Alert
Las Vegas lounge icon Ronnie Rose is back for “Home Grown Sunday” at 5 p.m. Sunday (of course) at Gilley’s at Treasure Island. Rose is a stylish showman in many instances. In this particular show, he’s a stylish country artist, and a great one. No cover; chaps optional.