Ladies goes loco over Luis

Joe Delaney

Friday, April 10, 1998 | 9:09 a.m.

International superstar Luis Miguel was greeted vociferously by a capacity crowd in the Caesars Palace Circus Maximus showroom Thursday, opening night for a four-day stand. Those fortunate enough to be attending the $127.50 per person performance were rewarded with an hour and 40 minutes of high-intensity song, music and lighting effects. Talk was at the very minimum, a short greeting in Spanish, repeated in English, that's it.

Miguel, 28, has a basic animal quality that had the females in the audience standing, dancing, waving in tempo, and screaming at the end of each selection. Those down front rushed the stage one at a time until near the end, when it took Luis' private guards and the Caesars Palace security to restore order. The low moans on the boleros (ballads) reminded us of Julio Iglesias' Caesars debut and Sinatra, circa 1942, at the New York City Paramount Theatre.

His backup, two talented and attractive females, heavy percussion, guitars, a hot sax, and solid horn section were near-perfect for one of the hardest- working performers we've encountered in many years. There are two large screens, one on either side of the stage, with excellent camera work, a vital enhancement, especially with all the extra activity on the distaff side.

His entire program is in Spanish, proof that music is capable of transcending all barriers. There was recognition and immediate response to the opening notes of many selections. The audience sang along, quite well, when asked. "Besame Mucho" was a high spot, one of many. Caesars may be setting a trend, booking top Hispanic acts other than on national holidays.

JOE DELANEY is a SUN entertainment critic.