Las Vegas Sun

November 23, 2009

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Joe Brown joined the Las Vegas Sun in 2008 as a reporter, critic and blogger focusing on entertainment and culture. A writer and editor with more than 20 years of experience in print and electronic media, Joe worked as a writer and editor at the San Francisco Chronicle and The Washington Post before gambling on a move to Vegas.

Performers sing
'Working': A show about work
Monday, September 14, 2009
REVIEW: Cast and crew competently present praise for jobs big and small
By Joe Brown
When the lights go up on “Working,” a musical about, well, working, it seems as if the show has made a dent in Las Vegas’ unemployment problem all by itself.
Orchestra rides guest soloist to thrilling high
Monday, September 14, 2009
REVIEW: Passion and intensity define Philharmonic’s season opener
By Joe Brown
If he could go back in time, I wonder if Las Vegas Philharmonic conductor David Itkin might rejigger the order of the three pieces he planned for the orchestra at Saturday night’s season-opening performance.
[img/photos/2009/09/10/scaled.090911SUN-paint_dollars.jpg]
Value economists can’t measure
Friday, September 11, 2009
DAILY MEMO: CULTURE: Art shouldn’t have to be justified by return on investment
By Joe Brown
A week or so ago, I wrote a review of a show playing out of town. Way out of town. About 600 miles away, in San Francisco.
Music director/conductor Richard McGee leads Nevada Pops'
Using the familiar as lure, Nevada Pops charms
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
REVIEW:
By Joe Brown
Although Nevada Pops shares a good chunk of its DNA with the Las Vegas Philharmonic, it has an entirely different, visibly relaxed vibe.
The cast of
‘Wicked’ worth the trip from Vegas
Monday, August 31, 2009
REVIEW:
By Joe Brown
The day may come when it seems you’ve seen every show in this entertainment Oz. When you can’t face the infernal interior of your car.
Rick Faugno performs his one-man show,
‘Jersey’ boys are steppin’ out for solo shows
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
REVIEW:
By Joe Brown
Three “Jersey Boys” step out of character and off their Palazzo stage, appearing around town in solo showcases and benefit revues.
'Matsuri': These acrobatics to be enjoyed, not pondered
Monday, August 24, 2009
REVIEW:
By Joe Brown
There seems to be only one word uttered throughout “Matsuri,” and that’s the title itself.
Audience reaction isn’t always what it seems
Friday, August 21, 2009
DAILY MEMO: ENTERTAINMENT:
By Joe Brown
Something funny happened at the theater the other night. But it wasn’t on the stage.
Insurgo Theatre Movement cast members perform
This should have stayed in ‘South Park’ creator’s drawer
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
REVIEW:
By Joe Brown
“Cannibal! The Musical” begins promisingly enough. The title is funny, the backdrop is a mountain scene painted “South Park”-style, the comedy begins with a “Deliverance” banjo duel involving a toy beaver, a pushbroom, a hoe and an audience volunteer.
Primrose Martin, left, and Don Bellamy perform during
Taste of tropics a welcome escape
Monday, August 17, 2009
REVIEW: ‘Once on This Island’ soars at Spring Mountain Ranch
By Joe Brown
Everything seems so shouty! and strident! lately. With all the political and financial ruckus rattling everyone’s nerves, sometimes even Las Vegas’ most escapist shows can seem to agitate rather than entertain, coming at us full speed and full blast with their brights on.
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Please forgive my excitement for the fall arts season
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
FALL ARTS PREVIEW:
By Joe Brown
Journalists, we are told, are not supposed to take an advocacy position, and that includes arts reporters and reviewers.
Dancers perform Wednesday in
‘Bite’: As lifeless as its bloodsuckers
Monday, August 10, 2009
REVIEW: Vampire show disappoints despite hitting cultural sweet spot
By Joe Brown
It’s common knowledge what vampires dislike: crucifixes, garlic, wooden stakes, daylight, mirrors ...
Joseph Bell sings with
Michael Jackson’s death changes attitudes toward tribute band
Monday, August 3, 2009
By Joe Brown
A year ago — even a couple of months ago — a Michael Jackson tribute band would have seemed an iffy, even laughable, proposition.
In a show mostly revolving around spectacular entrances, the curtain closes on performer Brooke Ophe
'Jubilee!': Topless and timeless
Monday, August 3, 2009
REVIEW: Vestige of Old Vegas entertainment is gaudy, prismatic, classic and ... gay?
By Joe Brown
How to convey the contradictory feelings provoked by “Jubilee!,” the wonderfully awful, terribly terrific, 28-year-old Las Vegas showgirl spectacular at Bally’s?
Playful and ageless, Charo a sultry sensation still
Playful and ageless, Charo a sultry sensation still
Monday, July 20, 2009
REVIEW:
By Joe Brown
There is a framed black-and-white photograph of Charo on the wall at the Riviera. It is dated 1982. That was 27 years ago. Charo somehow looks even better now.
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