LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

Beloved performer deserves all the praise he’s received

Don Merz, Las Vegas

Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009 | 2:01 a.m.

It was a pleasure to read John Katsilometes’ Sunday piece on Wayne Newton. Katsilometes admits he has a working relationship with the man, but his story contains no swooning. He provided a semi-insider’s look at an entertainment icon.

At a time when entertainers are written about as though their mistakes and low points define their lives, Katsilometes presents Newton’s human side as the measure of the man. As it turns out, that side shows a supremely talented music man who is also a good guy.

His voice might not have the high-pitched beauty it had in his youth, but that’s OK. I first saw him 25 years ago, and have seen him several times since.

If he depends on his backup singers a bit more and his voice is not quite as strong, no matter. Nobody works a room like Wayne Newton, and his show, taken as a whole, is always dynamite. His audience is there not just to hear him sing; they come to see him “do his show.”

Katsilometes’ six closing paragraphs, describing Newton’s show-opening number, are good enough to be framed. They were written with respect for the performer and by a gifted entertainment reviewer. I am going to see “Once Before I Go” just to see that opening.

Discussion: 1 comment so far…

By POWERPLAY

11/10/09 at 8:43 a.m.

Suggest removal

The guys 67 years old knowbody can remain 25 there whole life. GOOD JOB WAYNE!

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