By Chuck Darrow
After a winter whose star power can only be described as low-voltage, Atlantic City’s casinos are offering a fairly impressive, something-for-everyone talent roster for the spring season. On tap are everything from blues, pop, rock and comedy titans to a one-man stage version of a popular movie, performances by two TV-talk stalwarts and a new version of a long-running production show.
Below (in chronological order) are some of the more noteworthy bookings on tap between now and the summer solstice:
‘A Bronx Tale’ (April 20; Ocean Casino Resort)
This beloved 1993 gangster flick, which was based on actor Chazz Palminteri’s own childhood, began life as a 1988 one-man play (Robert DeNiro, who co-stars with Palminteri in the movie, saw the stage presentation in Los Angeles and decided it would be the perfect vehicle for his directorial debut). Palminteri revived it as a touring production a number of years ago. If you’re a fan of the movie, this is a must-see; if you’re not, see it anyway, as it is a stunning tour de force, with Palminteri playing 18 roles (men and women) as his wild, autobiographical story unfolds.
Dionne Warwick (April 26; Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City)
It’s a treat anytime the 83-year-old national treasure– whose signatures include “Do You Know the Way to San Jose,” “Alfie,” “I Say A Little Prayer” and “That’s What Friends Are For”—comes to town.
Jimmy Carr (April 27; Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa)
The British comic is for those who favor clever wordplay and somewhat absurd premises in the Steven Wright vein of standup. Not for everyone, but those with a somewhat twisted sense of humor should enjoy him.
John Eddie (April 27; Resorts Casino-Hotel)
Cherry Hill native Eddie, who deals in smart, rootsy rock & roll, has been kicking around the music scene for more than 40 years. And while he never achieved the stardom for which he once seemed destined, he has developed a well-deserved, loyal and vociferous following that should appreciate the chance to see him in Resorts’ Superstar Theater.
Todd Rundgren (May 3; Harrah’s Casino Resort)
And speaking of Delaware Valley-bred rockers, few have had as long, successful and varied careers as the Upper Darby, Pa. native who, as a singer-songwriter, has covered pretty much all of the territory from shimmering pop to boundary-pushing progressive-rock, and also produced albums by the likes of Grand Funk Railroad (“We’re An American Band”), Meatloaf (“Bat Out of Hell”) and Hall & Oates (“War Babies”).
A.J. Croce Presents Croce Plays Croce (May 4; Tropicana Atlantic City)
Yet another Philly-centric show, this program features A.J Croce, son of the late Jim Croce paying tribute to the early-‘70s folk-popper from Delaware County.
‘The Burlesque Show’ (May 9-Sept. 26; Borgata)
The salute to a this long-gone form of show business that combined sexual titillation and “blue” humor returns for its 11th season, with the pitch-perfect Chris Morris returning as emcee/featured comic. While the basic format and concept remain, look for the every-Thursday presentation to be significantly different from past editions.
Kelly Clarkson (May 10; Hard Rock)
These days, Clarkson is likely better known as the host of her eponymous, syndicated daytime TV gabfest. But the first “American Idol” champion (in 2002, believe it or not!) hasn’t completely forsaken her vocalizing career.
Penn & Teller (May 16-17; Hard Rock)
Our personal choice for “if you see only one show this year” honors. For more than four decades, the one-of-a-kind comedy-magic duo of Penn Jillette and Center City Philly native Teller has amazed and mystified audiences while simultaneously making them roar with laughter. Don’t miss ‘em!
Bill Maher (May 18; Borgata)
What better way to steel oneself for the 2024 presidential campaign than to hear both major-party candidates (as well as other political and pop-culture figures and trends) eviscerated by the usually right-on-target?
Steve Martin & Martin Short (May 18; Hard Rock)
The two oh-so-talented entertainers are headed back for their third AyCee visit. The first two engagements were master classes in variety entertainment as the pair combined standup, sketches, improv and music into one of the most enjoyable programs the town’s legal-casino era has ever seen.
Heart (May 24; Hard Rock)
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame-enshrined band led by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson has grown exponentially in stature over the decades. Expect a typical set that hop-scotches between delicate melodies and pedal-to-the-metal bombast.
Chuck Darrow has spent more than 40 years writing about Atlantic City casinos.
