Orlando gives action-packed performance at Golden Nugget

Joe Delaney

Friday, Jan. 25, 2002 | 8:47 a.m.

Tony Orlando is back in town, performing 8 p.m. shows at the Golden Nugget, and Las Vegas entertainment is that much better as a result.

After spending most of the last decade in Branson, Mo., Orlando returns for a 13-week stand that could last much longer. He belongs to that original Al Jolson school of give-it-all-you've-got, total-entertainment output, no letup.

A master at audience involvement, Orlando opened with a "closer" -- his signature song, oft-revived, "Tie a Yellow Ribbon" -- and quickly followed with "Candida" and "Knock Three Times." Dawn's contribution was acknowledged, the audience was made welcome and greeted "He Don't Love You (Like I Love You)" with applause. "Harmonizing Nights" took it to another level.

Few performers can match Orlando when it comes to selling a story song. This was best manifested by "Spanish Harlem," "Stand By Me" and "I, Who Have Nothing" -- three home runs in a row. It was time for a chat and the story of the Lefty Brothers, an intact back-up band that had honed its craft for 20 years in Springfield, Mo., before Orlando had them join him in Branson.

Keyboardist Kerry Cole was introduced and did two dead-on impressions -- first as Willie Nelson singing "You Are Always on my Mind," then a rousing Johnny Cash on "Folsom Prison Blues." As a surprise change of pace, Cole and the band replicated Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love," a show-stopper with a strong assist from Orlando.

Orlando never misses when it comes to selecting a man from the audience to join him in singing "Beer Barrel Polka." "(Has Anybody Seen) My Sweet Gypsy Rose" took Orlando into the audience for a sing-along that included "Auld Lang Syne," "Hello, Dolly," "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands," "Amen," "Jesus Christ, Superstar" and "Let It Be."

The show closed with more singalong on a Beatles medley that included "Can't Buy Me Love," "Something," "Oh Bla Di Oh Blah Da" and a reprise of "Let It Be." Orlando was completely spent at the conclusion, rewarded by an extended standing ovation.

Cole's brother, Tracy Cole, had a personal score with an extended guitar solo. Jim Shelton on bass, Pete Generous on drums and Orlando's brother, David, on the other keyboard all deserve mention here.

If you don't have a great time at a Tony Orlando performance, it's your own fault.