Springfield a nice fit in ‘EFX Alive’

Joe Delaney

Friday, Feb. 2, 2001 | 9:43 a.m.

Rick Springfield seemed right at home in the fourth version of "EFX," renamed "EFX Alive," which opened Tuesday at the MGM Grand.

This neatly trimmed, just under 90-minute edition is sans the talking head of James Earl Jones. Springfield is the EFX Master, as well as portraying Merlin, P.T. Barnum, Houdini and H.G. Wells in the four main segments. The wonderful effects are all there intact, and even more effective.

Springfield, no stranger to musical theater, having starred successfully on Broadway in "Smokey Joe's Cafe," in addition to numerous television credits, carries the night and most of the continuity with ease, and scored with his singing on several new songs, as well as some of his hits of the past that are nicely worked in. He has the charisma, is believable, talented and athletic enough in the action scenes.

Sal Salangsang, a strong comic personality and eccentric dancer, did the pre-show nonsense as he had in the past. In this edition, he also appeared to good advantage in the show -- a comedic plus.

Tina Walsh was also a standout as Morgana, the Evil Witch in the King Arthur scene and even stronger as Bess, Houdini's widow, especially in the new duet with Springfield, "Forever," with music and lyrics by Springfield and Bill Wray. The Houdini portion has now been restored to its original strength.

The prologue had a lot less bodies than in the past, but the various mythical figures were not missed. It also had a Springfield original song, "Rhythm of the Beat," which he sung, also with original music by him and Wray.

The King Arthur scene, with Springfield as Merlin and Kristofer Saly as the young King Arthur, seemed pretty much intact, ending with the duel between good and evil, represented by battling dragon figures.

The P.T. Barnum segment seemed lacking that one more sensational circus act. Springfield's foray into the audience did not make up for this omission.

Houdini and H.G. Wells were an effective one-two punch, followed by a rousing closer with Springfield and the entire company. Audience response was constant and heavy throughout.

With a few more shows under his belt, Springfield may have to be ranked right there with Michael Crawford as the best star in the very versatile entertainment vehicle. Prognosis: excellent.