Frommer's Las Vegas 2004

THE MAJOR PRODUCTION SHOWS 251
in Forrest Gump) thrown in. A standout (though he doesn’t always do it) is “The
Twelve Months of Christmas” sung by 12 different celebrities (Paul Lynde, Clint
Eastwood, Woody Allen, and so on). Gans’s vocal flexibility is impressive, though
his impersonations are hit or miss (his Springsteen needs work). That said, when
we last saw him, he did a dead-on impression of comedian Jeff Foxworthy that had
the crowd rolling, a hilarious bit involving George Burns imitating MC Hammer,
and a somewhat freaky, but totally on-target impression of Macy Gray. Truth be
told, he’s better than his current material (particularly if the mood strikes and he
improvises), which is padded with obvious jokes and mawkish sentimentality. Still,
he’s a consistent crowd-pleaser, and the lack of bombast can be a refreshing change
of pace. In The Mirage, 3400 Las Vegas Blvd. S. & 800/963-9634 or 702/792-7777. Tickets $100
(including tax). Tues–Thurs and Sat–Sun 8pm.
An Evening at La Cage No, it wasn’t inspired by the French movie or the
recent American remake, or even the Broadway musical. Actually, it’s more like
the stage show derived from the movie Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Female
impersonators dress up as various entertainers (with varying degrees of success)
to lip-synch to those celebrity entertainers’ greatest hits (with varying degrees of
success). The celebs lampooned can include Cher, Bette Midler, Judy Garland,
Whitney Houston, Dionne Warwick, and, intriguingly, Michael Jackson. A Joan
Rivers impersonator, looking not unlike the original but sounding not at all like
her (even with the aid of an odd constant echo), is the hostess, delivering scatological
phrases and stale jokes. They do make the most of a tiny stage with some
pretty stunning lighting, though the choreography is bland. Still, it’s a crowdpleaser—one
couple was back for their fourth visit (all comped, but still). In The
Riviera Hotel & Casino, 2901 Las Vegas Blvd. S. & 877/892-7469 or 702/794-9433. Tickets $38
(excluding tax). Wed–Mon 7 and 9pm.
Folies Bergère The longest-running production show in town has recently
undergone a “sexier than ever” face-lift, but the result is far from that. It’s more
like tamed-down burlesque, as done by a college drama department. Bare breasts
pop up (sorry) at odd moments (late shows only): not during the cancan line,
but rather during a fashion show and an en-pointe ballet sequence. The effect is
neither erotic nor titillating, suggesting only that absent-minded dancers simply
forgot to put their shirts on. The dance sequences (more acrobatics than true
dance) range from the aforementioned ballet and cancan to jazz and hoedown,
and are only occasionally well costumed. A coyly cute ’50s striptease number on
a Hollywood Squares–type set is more successful, as is a clever and funny juggling
act (don’t miss his finale with the vest and hat). In Tropicana Resort & Casino, 3801 Las
Vegas Blvd. S. & 800/829-9034 or 702/739-2411. Tickets $45–$55 (excluding tax). Fri–Wed 7:30
and 10pm.
Jubilee! A classic Vegas spectacular, crammed with singing, dancing, magic,
acrobats, elaborate costumes and sets, and, of course, bare breasts. It’s a basic revue,
with production numbers featuring homogenized versions of standards (Gershwin,
Cole Porter, some Fred Astaire numbers) sometimes sung live, sometimes
Tips Heading Backstage
If you’d like to take a backstage tour of the Folies set, they are scheduled
Sunday to Thursday at 12:30, 1:30, and 2:30pm. Tickets cost $2; call the
above phone number for details.