Springfield to retake stage in Las Vegas

Jerry Fink

Saturday, June 10, 2006 | 7:18 a.m.

Who: Rick Springfield

When: 8 p.m. Sunday

Where: South Coast

Tickets: $39

Information: 795-8955

Almost four years have passed since the MGM Grand shut down "EFX Alive!" to make way for Cirque du Soleil's "Ka."

Rick Springfield, the '80s pop idol, was the lead of "EFX" when it closed - preceded by Michael Crawford (1995-96), David Cassidy (1996-98) and Tommy Tune (1998-2000).

"At the time it ended I was kind of glad," Springfield said during a telephone interview from the set of the soap opera "General Hospital" in Los Angeles.

The 56-year-old Springfield says two years is about the maximum he can do the same show over and over without getting bored.

"But I loved Las Vegas while I was there," he said.

Springfield has returned a few times, mostly to perform at corporate events.

This weekend he will perform for the public at the South Coast. It won't be a spectacle, just Springfield and his music.

But he understands the allure of shows such as "Ka."

"At some point I'm sure it will go back to the way it was, but there's nothing like a great big giant show," Springfield said. "It's what people expect when they go out now. Most of the major movies today have big effects - otherwise people stay home and watch television.

"There's something about a performer just performing onstage, but people always love big shows."

And they seem to love Springfield, a native of Australia who had made it big in his homeland before coming to the United States in 1972 after his breakout solo "Speak to the Sky" made him an international celebrity.

Among his many records are "Working Class Dog" (1981), "Success Hasn't Spoiled Me Yet," ('82), "Living in Oz" ('83) and "Rock of Life" ('88).

Springfield appeared as Dr. Noah Drake on "General Hospital" from 1981-83. He reprised the role in October, appearing intermittently.

Not being full time with the soap gives Springfield time to pursue his other interests - such as touring. He has about 100 engagements a year.

He recently completed a DVD, "Alive at the Coronado," which should be released later this year.