Columnist Joe Delaney: Debbie Does Broadway … Off Broadway

Joe Delaney

Thursday, April 16, 1998 | 10:14 a.m.

DEBBIE REYNOLDS WILL have three completely different shows, each worth seeing, when she returns on April 21: Her own one-woman extravaganza, the Kenny Kerr Show, and "Broadway...Off Broadway," billed as "A Tribute to New York's Biggest Hit Shows." ... We caught the last-named production on Easter Sunday night, joining a small but enthusiastic crowd.

A multi-talented, attractive cast excelled as an ensemble and in taking solo turns, paying tribute to "A Chorus Line," "Cabaret," "Chess," "Grease," "Jesus Christ Superstar," "42nd Street," and "Evita," backed by a live orchestra, directed by Brian W. Tidwell.

Attendance was better this second weekend but not enough to support a cast of 20 plus the seven-piece orchestra, stage crew, lights and sound technicians, etc. ... Perhaps Debbie's new deal will provide some deserved advertising assistance for a well-executed entertainment effort.

More on "Broadway"

Without sufficient publicity and minus a marquee name, the show's prognosis could be poor. ... This type of show, this same cast plus a known name or two, could work nicely at New York, New York and certainly for much less overhead than the Michael Flatley "Lord of the Dance," with or without Flatley. ... Can Flatley do 10 shows a week at this point?

Re the present production: "Chess" means nothing to the average LV show- goer, it could be replaced by songs with humor such as "I'm Just a Girl Who Can't Say No," "Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better," or "Once In Love With Amy." ... Both "Cabaret" and "Evita" would have been stronger with inclusion of their respective hit songs, the former's title tune and the latter's "Don't Cry For Me Argentina." ... Don't exceed the 90-minute limit, whatever you do.

This is a positive, not a negative review; I enjoyed it ... Perhaps the backers should consider two-fers for Nevada residents. ... Count me as a member of the show's rooting section.

Welcome 'Dogs'

"Tap Dogs," replacing "EFX" this week in the MGM Grand Theatre, has won major awards in Sydney, Australia, its starting point, London's West End, then returned to Sydney for its 1995 Theatre Festival, thence to the Edinburgh Festival, went back to London's Sadler's Wells Theatre, before making its North American debut in Montreal.

It all started with six students at a small dance school in Newcastle, a steel town north of Sydney. ... At first, they were the Tap Brothers, then a featured act in "Hot Shoe Shuffle" in London, before founder-choreographer Dein Perry teamed up with director-designer Nigel Triffitt to create "Tap Dogs," now an international success.

"EFX" resumes next Tuesday. ... Rodney Dangerfield opened Wednesday in the MGM Grand Hollywood Theatre. ... Rodney closes Sunday, then returns April 23 for a seven-day stand.

Star-policy rundown

It's George Carlin-Dennis Blair (Bally's); Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme, Friday through Sunday (Caesars); Kenny Kerr (Debbie Reynolds Hotel); Dangerfield (MGM); Siegfried & Roy (Mirage); Lance Burton (Monte Carlo); Ray Charles, Friday through Sunday (Orleans); Danny Gans (Rio); and another column favorite, Stevem Wright (Sahara) through Sunday.

Willie Chambers and the Chambers Brothers brought gospel music to rock venues and coffee houses in the early 1960s, earning induction into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. ... Willie, now on his own, performs two free shows, 7 & 9 p.m. Saturday at Palace Station.

Marv Koral's All-Stars, including world-class trombonist Carl Fontana, back from Germany, play from 7-11 p.m. Friday at Brittany's. ... Koral will also lead a quartet Sunday afternoon at the Summerlin Library's annual "Celebration of the Arts."

Thursday addenda

Share The Strength's Taste of the Nation, sponsored by American Express and Calphalon, takes place 6-9 p.m. next Thursday in the Riviera Hotel's Convention Center. ... More than 40 top chefs will present their best tastes, representing the finest LV hotels and restaurants, with proceeds going directly to local charity organizations.

Stardust Hotel Specials: Three Dog Night and Jim Messina, of Loggins & Messina, perform Friday at 8 p.m. ... Saturday, it's Si Zentner and his award-winning orchestra, a dance concert, in the Stardust Ballroom. ... See you Friday.

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