‘Superstars’ do super job at Stratosphere

Joe Delaney

Friday, Sept. 7, 2001 | 9:10 a.m.

"American Superstars," a Mark Callas and Donny Moore production, has been a successful Stratosphere Broadway showroom occupant since April 1996.

The show, which has performers depicting superstars past and present, also features five talented and comely dancers, plus an excellent four-piece group, plus occasional musical-tape enhancement. Each depiction is in the performer's own voice.

The capacity crowd at the show caught seemed to have a great time.

Music from "2001: A Space Odyssey," used for Elvis Presley at the Las Vegas Hilton in the 1970s, opened the show, followed by a video featuring boxing ring announcer Michael Buffer ("Let's get ready to rumble"), whose voice is used for introductions as well.

The five dancers, attractively costumed in traditional Las Vegas style, including feathers, entered from the audience to join Darren Lee as Presley, singing "Viva Las Vegas." Lee was an effective Presley through five hit songs, before making room for Michael Colby as Ricky Martin.

Colby sang and danced through three Martin hits aided by the dancers. Line captain/dancer Amy Warren was outstanding in her solo spot in "Living LaVida Loca." Coty Alexander's Madonna also made full use of the dancers. Madonna's biggest hits were duplicated exactly, but lacked the response that preceded and followed this segment.

Johnny Potash doubles as company manager and Charlie Daniels. His contribution was the show's high spot. "The Devil Went Down to Georgia," "Orange Blossom Special" and "God Bless the USA" amply displayed his versatility as a violinist -- he is much more than just a fiddler -- and a vocalist.

Naomi Rodriguez is the newest addition, a powerfully-voiced replication of Christina Aguilera, singing both in English and Spanish and closing with an exciting production number with the dancers on "Lady Marmalade."

Damian Brantley has all the Michael Jackson moves. He sang "Jam," "Beat It," "Billy Jean" and "Working Day and Night," with full production values and closed the show with a new finale that included cast introductions.

Production notes: Guitarist David Dubuc is the musical director, with Steve West, keyboardist; Alfonso West, bass, and Randy Brungardt, drummer, completing the quartet. Debra Allen, Jennifer Bachler, Allyson Brown and Jennifer Hosey are the other dancers.