Gold Coast graced by talented ‘Honky Tonk Angels’

Joe Delaney

Friday, Feb. 18, 2000 | 9:55 a.m.

"Honky Tonk Angels," just opened in the Gold Coast showroom, is a potential big winner. If you have enjoyed the "Patsy Cline Tribute with the Jordanaires" with Sharon Haynes as Patsy Cline, you will find Haynes as Cline, Corrie Sachs as Reba McEntire and Lori Legacy depicting Dolly Parton every bit as enjoyable, even more so, at times.

The entire performance is live, backed by the Cool Country Crew, conducted by Michael Dubay, keyboards; Russ Letizia, lead guitar; Michael Parrott, drums; Chris Riggs, bass guitar; and Harvey Sharp, steel guitar. The band is hot, and it sizzles on "Gina Lollobrigida Breakdown," where each member has a solo spot.

Minnie Pearl's "cousin," Maxi Pearl (Haynes) enters from the back of the room with Minnie's trademark "Howdy," and proceeds to audition. She fails but was invited to stay on for Lori Legacy, who sings "The Auctioneer," accompanied by her two puppets, Sunshine and Simon. Legacy is auctioning a "magic door." Maxi Pearl is high bidder and enters the door.

Sachs appears through the door as Reba McEntire, an amazing likeness, to sing "Fancy," "Take It Back" and "The Greatest Man." Haynes then enters through the door as Cline to sing "San Antonio Rose," "Your Cheating Heart," "I Fall to Pieces," "Walking after Midnight," "Crazy," and "Blue," the last-named song written for but not recorded by Cline, then recorded 38 years later as a hit for LeAnn Rimes.

Legacy as Dolly Parton is next to emerge to sing "9 to 5," "Why'd You Come in Here (Looking Like That?)," sung to a man from the audience, and "Here You Come Again." This set up the entrance of the Judds (Wynonna/Haynes and Naomi/Sachs) for "Have Mercy," "Grandpa" and "Rockin' in the Rhythm of the Rain," to tremendous response.

Next came Parton in a solo spot to sing "I Will Always Love You." It was time for the band's instrumental, followed by the return of Cline, McEntire and Parton for a rousing "Lovesick Blues," a personal high spot, "How Blue" and "Honky Tonk Angels," some chat, and "Silver Threads and Golden Needles."

"Walk On," a gospel shout, was the closer, led by McEntire, joined by Cline and Parton after which the trio, still in costume, marched through the audience to the showroom entrance, thanking people individually as they departed, signing autographs, autographing pictures and selling CDs and cassettes. It was a goodly crowd.

Response was heavy and consistent throughout. Michael Gaughan & Co. could have a long-running hit on their hands if the Gold Coast marketing department is given the budget to merchandise this superior effort in the manner it deserves. It could be a very big winner.