By: Evan Davis / Entertainment Editor As we’ve turned the corner on 2021 and heading into the hottest month of the year, I would like to tell you a little about the sizzling show we have in store for you. In September, as Vegas cools down, our Vegas Voice production heats up once again. On September 11 th Chadwick Johnson brings his “Celebrating the Piano Men” to Sun City MacDonald Ranch. This will be a premier event as Chadwick is making his first appearance at MacDonald Ranch. Besides being a wonderful singer/songwriter, he will be “Celebrating the Piano Men”, such as Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Billie Joel and More! You will also be treated to some of Chadwick’s original awardwinning songs.Now we’re not the only game in town. From the west side there are places like Chianti Italian Restaurant, La Casa Cigar Bar, Siena Italian Deli and many others. The east side has The Nevada Room, Italian American Club plus many restaurants offering spectacular local entertainment. I would like to mention the performers that have made our Vegas Voice 2021 shows, nothing short of spectacular. There’s been, Mark OToole, Rich Natole, Genevieve, Michael Ross Nugent, the Folk Legacy Trio, Bill Fayne, Kellie Wright, Denise Clemente, Rita Lim, Chase Brown, Amanda King, Jonathan Karrant, Samantha Rivero, Chadwick Johnson, Tony Arias, Ruby Lewis, John DiDomenico, Cali Tucker, Jassen Allen, Jonny 12 Coming Attractions In the Heights By: Renee Riendeau / Movie Revelations “ In the Heights” fuses Lin-Manual Miranda’s kinetic music and lyrics with director Jon M. Chu’s lively authentic eye for storytelling to capture a world very much of its place, but universal in its experience. This PG 13 film is highlighted by the main cast of Anthony Ramos, Corey Hawkins, Melissa Barrera and Olga Merediz. It was released in June with an acceptable overall rating of an A- rating. “In The Heights” is based on the 2008 Tony winner for Best Musical that put Lin-Manual Miranda on the map. The film follows characters from the largely Latin upper Manhattan neighborhood of Washington Heights. “Suenitos”, or “little dreams” are pursued with hard work and perseverance and are achievable, although not without their obstacles. The movie benefits by being shot on the streets of Washington Heights. This area of New York is referred to as Little Dominican Republic. August 2021 Bird, Phillip Officer, Kelly Vohnn and Michelle Johnson. Whew. The next four months will bring another dozen or so performers to the stages around town. Compliments of The Vegas Voice. I do need to mention another venue, the Library Theaters. A couple of Smooth Jazz Icons, Brian Simpson and Steve Oliver, will be headlining at The Summerlin Library Performing Arts Center and The Windmill Library. Let us not forget The Flamingo Library, Judy Bailey Theater and soon to reopen, The Smith Center.As we always have, and will continue to do, our mission is to bring you the best in local entertainment here in Vegas. Because What Happens Here, Only Happens Here! You can read Evan’s entertainment blog and sign up to receive his free email weekly Calendar of Events at www.EvanDavisJazz. com. Email him at: evan@thevegasvoice.net. In this film, Chu goes for a slightly dated Disney channel vibe complete with a flash mob dance number. Chu may not be Latin but is very sensitive to the themes. Miranda’s lyrics come fast and furious for more than two hours. The special effects, great cinematography, and fantastic dance routines enhanced this spectacle. For me, a few things stood out that were of concern; the huge cast was overwhelming, much of it was too fast, and a confusion of colors on outfits. Am I getting old? There is Oscar buzz regarding this movie and only time will tell. It’s definitely worth finding it on Netflix to watch at home, or going out to the big screen, big chairs, reserve seating, snack bar, and air conditioning as you do the theater experience. Renee Riendeau is the movie critic for “Renee’s Revelations” on Anthem Alive SCA-TV. As a dog sitter she operates “ Renee’s Roommates” out of her home and can be reached at rriendeau@aol.com.
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