By Chuck Darrow
Donny Osmond’s scheduled performance this Sunday night at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City brings to mind another solo set he did a number of years ago. The difference between the two is that Sunday’s show is designed to be a one-person affair, whereas the other was an unintentional one-man program (at least for a while).
In the fall of 2009, one of the hottest tickets on the Las Vegas Strip was the long-running residency Osmond and his sister, Marie, had at the Flamingo casino-hotel. I was out there to cover that year’s Global Gaming Expo—the casino industry’s flagship trade show—and to see some of the buzz-worthy shows of the time (e.g. “Absinthe” at Caesars Palace and “The Beatles’ Love” at the Mirage). While I was never a huge Donny & Marie fan, I felt it behooved me to catch such a hot-ticket presentation. Besides, my decades-long crush on Marie was still (and is still) in full-throttle mode, so why not see them?
The set began not with them in the expected opening production number, but with Donny appearing onstage by himself. Instead of singing, he announced that Marie had laryngitis and would not be able to perform that evening. He then suggested to the audience that there were two options: They could leave and get refunds, or they could stay and he would figure out a way to entertain them without his sister.
Not surprisingly, the audience hooted and clapped enthusiastically at the latter option. Having established the night’s game plan, Donny proceeded with a totally seat-of-the-pants turn that gave me a newfound respect for him and what an old-school trouper he obviously was.
While I was disappointed I didn’t get to see my beloved Marie (don’t worry, my wife and I have an agreement: I can cheat on her with Marie if she can do the same with Donny), that disappointment didn’t last all evening. About two-thirds into the set, during what was apparently one of the duo’s set pieces in the regular show, Marie appeared on stage and actually started to sing. Her voice, as I recall, was certainly not at its best. But, as was the case with her brother, her “the-show-must-go-on” ethos was impressive, and the perfect capper to what was a most memorable performance.
There’s probably no moral here, but I can say that that night made me a Donny Osmond fan, and it’s why Sunday’s gig is highly recommended.
For tickets, go to ticketmaster.com.
Tribute acts surf into Ocean
Sunday kicks off Ocean Casino Resort’s series of weekly tribute-band gigs at Nola’s Bar-Lounge, which is located on the casino floor. Leading off will be Unforgettable Fire, which recreates the music of U2. They’ll be followed by: Double Vision (Foreigner, July 14); Ada LeAnn (Taylor Swift, July 21); Red Not Chili Peppers (Red Hot Chili Peppers, July 28); Fooz Fighters (Foo Fighters, Aug. 4); Girls Can’t Help It (women of rock, Aug. 11); Pure McCartney (Paul McCartney, Aug. 18) and Separate Ways The Band (Journey, Aug. 25).
All shows begin at 8 p.m. Admission is free.
Ocean testing its ‘Medal’
Also making waves at Ocean is the just-opened Medal Bar, a “pop-up” concept inspired by the upcoming Summer Olympics in Paris.
Located inside 1927 Lounge, which is on the casino floor on the opposite side from Nola’s, Medal Bar was officially christened last weekend by Dominique Dawes (the only American gymnast to win medals in three different Olympics). It’s billed as “the Summer Games Experience,” and features what Ocean officials describe as “an international flair with Americana spirit and a nod to the host city (Paris).” And, not surprisingly, TVs will offer a chance to watch the action.
While the games run July 26-Aug. 11, Medal Bar will be up and running through Sept. 1 Hours of operation are 5 p.m.-midnight Thursday, Friday and Sunday and 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday.
‘Buddy’ system at Harrah’s
Also open now is Buddy’s Boardwalk Empire, a new munchies outlet from TV “Cake Boss” Buddy Valastro at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City (which, of course, isn’t on the Boardwalk, but hey, why nitpick?).
Located in the bayside pleasure dome’s Grand Lobby, Buddy’s Boardwalk Empire is a casual-dining operation whose bill of fare includes “Jersey-style” sandwiches, pizza, pasta and a selections of desserts–including cannoli and Valastro’s signature Lobster Tail pastries–from Carlo’s Bake Shop, the chain upon which Valastro built his culinary kingdom.
“As a Jersey native, I’m thrilled to bring the Boardwalk experience to Harrah’s Resort,” said Valastro. “At Buddy’s Boardwalk Empire, we’re serving up a slice of Jersey with every bite, perfectly complementing the vibrant spirit of Harrah’s.”
For more go to caesars.com/harrahs-ac.com.
Chuck Darrow has spent more than 40 years writing about Atlantic City casinos.
