There are many pleasures to be enjoyed in “’80s Live,” the celebratory song-and-dance extravaganza that runs Sunday afternoons through June 28 at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City.
First and foremost is the set list that ably pays tribute to what was arguably pop music’s last great decade, one which had a body of music borne on the wings of MTV’s world domination that took root at that time. It’s hardly a coincidence that the release of a number of the songs in the set list were accompanied by indelibly iconic videos.
While it’s obviously impossible to cram any 10-year period’s-worth of hit songs into 70 minutes, “’80s Live” does a fine job of representing the best of the best (with the glaring exception of 1982’s “Don’t You Want Me Baby” by Human League!) as it surveys a cross-section of sounds from middle-of-the-road (to borrow an ’80s phrase) pop to slinky R&B to screaming-guitar-propelled rock.
But that’s just one reason to catch the breezily paced, high-energy revusical. There’s also the joy of watching the 24–count ’em, 24!—singers, dancers and musicians (eight of each) who fill and animate the Concert Venue stage.
Individually and collectively, they are superb; watching and listening to them is a true delight.
Of particular note is the eight-piece band comprised of veteran musicians whose resumes boast a Who’s Who of big-time acts up to, and including, Frank Sinatra. The otherworldly tight and versatile unit under the direction of drum-master Joey Pucci is alone worth the price of a ticket.
As for individual highlights, there are too many to list in their entirety. But the following really struck a chord (pun intended) with this audience member during last Sunday’s matinee.
*The show-opening detonation of Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy” that was a perfect table-setter for what followed.
*Take on Me,” on which vocalist Wayne Withers adds just enough soul to give the 1985 smash hit by Norway’s A-ha a cool, unexpected added dimension.
*The perfectly percolating “Girls Just Want to have Fun” wonderfully delivered by CiBon Rielle.
*The entire “Ladies Of the ’80s” sequence during which Rielle, Dionne Carole, Amanda O’Donnell and Brielle Von Hugel burn their way through The Go-Gos “We Got the Beat,” ‘I Love Rock & Roll” by Joan Jett, The Bangles’ “Hazy Shade of Winter” and “Heartbreaker” and “Shadows of the Night” by Pat Benatar.
*The atomic-powered, lung-shredding version of Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell” by Paul Saylor.
*The spot-on rendition of the game-changing rap-&-rock version of “Walk This Way” by Aerosmith and Run-D.M.C.
The vocal talents of the cast are such that even the schmaltzy, mid-show version of Journey’s treacly “Open Arms” (which involved a married couple in the audience) was salvaged by the shimmering three-part harmonies of Saylor, Blake Mallay and Jonah Mayor.
By definition (and budget) this kind of casino production show is not great art; nor is it meant to be. But in the capable hands of Valentine (who deserves extra-credit props for employing two dozen talented individuals) and his cast and crew, including choreographer Jillian Reed and costume designer–and wife of the producer–Kristine Valentine, the program is a most rewarding experience that transports the audience away from the 1,001 annoyances, inconveniences, disappointments, and worse its members face every day, and allows it to bask in the pure, unadulterated joy of the set list and those performing it.
For tickets, go to ticketmaster.com.
Borgata bags ‘Burlesque’
Speaking of Valentine, for the first time since Barack Obama was in the Oval Office, he’s not overseeing “The Burlesque Show” at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa.
The annual naughty, bawdy and gaudy presentation that combined tasteful, never-vulgar striptease routines with specialty acts and ultra-raunchy comedy (courtesy of two hilarious gents, the late, great Jeff Pirrami and Chris Morris), always launched its five-month Music Box run in May. But now, the 1,000-seat theater sits empty on Thursday nights.
We don’t know why the Big B scrapped “Burlesque,” but it’s certainly puzzling considering it was obviously a customer favorite (had it not been, it wouldn’t have established itself as the longest running production show of the casino era). But as we’ve known for decades, gaming hall marketing suits often move in mysterious ways.
Bally’s goes country
Those of you seeking some boot-scootin’ fun are directed to The Yard at Bally’s Atlantic City. That’s where you’ll find country bands every Saturday night through the end of the month.
This week, the featured act is the Justin Taylor Band followed by Austin City Nights (May 16), Jovan Newman Band (May 23) and the Brian Grilli Band (May 30).
Admission is free and the drink specials include $3 beers.
Chuck Darrow has spent more than 40 years writing about Atlantic City casinos.
