‘Diva-Licious’ lacks stimulation, but shows promise

Friday, Sept. 12, 2003 | 8:27 a.m.

What: "Diva-Licious."

When: 9 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays.

Where: Fitzgeralds Events Center.

Admission: One-drink minimum.

Information: (702) 388-2400.

Rating (out of 5 stars): ***

The two stars of "Diva-Licious" at the Fitzgeralds Events Center put on a spirited performance that showcases their singing and dancing abilities and their sense of humor, but reveals little else.

Well, that's not entirely accurate. Midway through the hourlong performance, Jennifer Page does a tantalizing shadow dance behind a screen.

While it appears that Page is nude, we never know for sure. She dons a towel just before the screen goes up and then drapes herself in a curtain and takes off the towel.

And co-star Christie Copeland isn't shy about wading into the audience and rubbing her bosom against a male fan's head, a la Charo.

There's ample humor with sexual themes, but overall there isn't much sexually stimulating about "Diva-Licious."

Except for a few risque moments, this could be a family show.

If the low-budget production was meant to compete against "Showgirls" at The Rio, or one of the other provocative shows in town, it fails.

The costumes are less than dazzling, and Copeland and Page are beautiful, but they aren't your typical showgirls.

That isn't necessarily a bad thing. As legitimate performers rather than just a couple of more pretty faces with long legs, they have created a show that succeeds, despite a couple of handicaps.

One of their obstacles is the size of the venue, a 175-seat room that limits the size and scope of the show. Even if they had the budget for live musicians, there isn't much space.

Another drawback might be the price of admission -- a one-drink minimum. Shows that are basically free may be perceived by some as not having much entertainment value.

But isn't it great for locals to have a decent, all-but-free show?

Fitzgeralds provides an above-average lineup of performers Thursdays through Mondays that include besides the "Diva-Licious" girls, impersonator Larry G. Jones (5 p.m.), Elvis tribute artist Steve Connolly (7 p.m.) and comedian Wild Billy Tucker (10:30 p.m.). Singer Paull Casas has the showroom at 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

"Bobby Ruffin's Tribute to the Drifters" is the only production that requires a ticket ($12.95). Shows are at 7:15 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

"Diva-Licious" is one of the best on the card. There's a lot to like about this production.

Both entertainers have a lot of personality that comes across to the audience. They have strong, pleasing voices and a polished stage presence.

Each also has an extensive entertainment background.

Page, a native of Seattle, has been singing and acting professionally since age 14. In addition to performing in musical theater, she has performed on the rock club circuit and in Asia.

Locally, Page has performed at Treasure Island, The Mirage, Bally's, Harrahs and several other venues. For four years she was a vocalist in "Enter the Night" at the Stardust and, for about a year, was a backup singer for Wayne Newton.

Copeland, a native of Palmyra, Pa., was in regional theater in her home state before moving to Texas, where she performed at the Fiesta theme park in San Antonio. Then she moved on to the Opryland theme park in Nashville before becoming a lead singer on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

She moved to Vegas in 2000, where she spent more than two years as a backup singer in the show with Louie Louie and the lead singer in the Groove Kitty All-Girl band at the Palms.

She is an accomplished impersonator, paying tribute to such artists as Reba McEntire, Faith Hill, Madonna and Celine Dion.

These two entertainers are the heart of a show that has lots of potential, but needs a little more direction.

With their considerable talent they can carry a production, but "Diva-Licious" needs to find a flow.

There doesn't seem to be any logical basis for having one segment that highlights music from James Bond films, another segment focusing on country music and another in which a tribute is paid to the go-go era.

But once the bugs are worked out, "Diva-Licious" will be a bright spot in dingy downtown.