John Katsilometes on R&B artist Toni Braxton, the new headliner at the Flamingo

Friday, May 19, 2006 | 7:24 a.m.

Contemporary R&B vocalist Toni Braxton seems a good fit for Las Vegas.

Especially if you have seen her in concert.

The new headliner at Flamingo Las Vegas - Braxton's stint on the Strip, beginning Aug. 3, will be formally announced today at the Flamingo - puts on a show befitting the Las Vegas stage. At least that's what some critics have concluded.

In a review of her show at the Nokia Theater Times Square in New York in April, Laura Sinagra of The New York Times wrote:

"Songs from Ms. Braxton's latest album, 'Libra,' took a back seat to old favorites like the playful 'I Love Me Some Him' and 'Love Should Have Brought You Home.' But the Vegas style was rushed. Frequent costume changes necessitated placeholder hoofing by Ms. Braxton's two dancers, and Ms. Braxton's sisters Tamar and Trina, who sang backup, were also saddled with distracting choreography."

(Tamar, incidentally, is appearing with Prince at his "3121" gigs at Empire Ballroom over Memorial Day weekend.)

And from Kevin C. Johnson of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, after an appearance by Braxton in March at the Pageant theater:

"Bringing with her a type of glitz rarely seen at the Pageant, Braxton's sold-out 80-minute show felt like a Vegas-style revue, complete with all the glossy fixtures, making it highly watchable Braxton brought about 10 costume changes, a staircase, a platform, (and) a number of shiny set adornments "

Right on.

According to Flamingo Las Vegas publicity, the show ("Libra, Toni Braxton: Revealed") promises to be a "full-scale musical production that draws upon Ms. Braxton's experience as an accomplished musician, singer and Broadway performer, complete with her incredible band, amazing costumes, background singers and dancers."

Says Flamingo President Don Marrandino: "We are thrilled to have Toni join us at the Flamingo. She is a vibrant entertainer whose world stature will bring renewed energy and prestige to the same stage that has featured countless musical superstars over the past 60 years."

Tickets range from $65 to $100.

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