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| - I wanted to like this show and I'm going to rip it apart because the people behind it are not seeing its true potential.
First, being herded around like cattle into the auditorium was insulting for the $90 we spent for our seats. Literally we were crowded around the bar, waiting to get in, while the other show was getting out.
There was ONE bartender working with about 25 people ordering drinks.
Michael Washington, who played Sammy Davis Jr and others, was the star of the show. From the moment he got on stage I forgot about the lack of organization trying to get in. His voice was great, he was articulate and enunciated every word. I literally could understand everything he said and sang.
Then it started turning south. Microphones did not work. The ones that did work made the beautiful voices of the trio of women sound vacant and hollow. One of the performers had to dance across the stage to replace a Mic. Professionally executed - but someone behind the scenes is not doing their job.
Then Josh Strickland comes on stage and I could not understand a single word he sang. Not a single one. He played the roles of Frank Sinatra, Elvis, etc. He mumbled every line and for having such a great voice, he punished every note. It was like he was forcing the vibrato and the volume of each note, and it just didn't work for me. This man's range as a tenor is unforgettable, but he is not trained in live theater. If he is, someone needs to get a new teacher.
The ladies who sang mumbled too. Not as much as Josh, but still, I know the words to most of the songs that were sung, but I could not understand them.
So when I say that the people behind this show are not seeing its true potential, they are honestly falling short, and being lazy, to make the performers understand the necessity of articulation in live theatre.
The dancers were perfect. The juggler a Blast. The hoola-hoop guy was a lot of fun, and the village people made me howl in laughter.
The Band - GREAT!
But the lead singers are not polished - except for Michael Washington. Why he is not noted as a Star on their website and Josh is - well I would define both of them differently.
Looking past all this, I know why people love this show. If it was put together more professionally, I know I would give it 5 stars.
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