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Contributed photo
Suzanne Goulet, as Liza Minnelli, made an appearance during the Legends in Concert show.

I recently had the opportunity to attend Legends in Concert at Foxwoods Resort Casino. Legends is the longest running, most successful tribute shows in the world. Gracing stages nationwide in such top venues as Atlantic City, Foxwoods Casino, Myrtle Beach, and Las Vegas. Basically, they draw from an enormous collection of some of the most talented celebrity impersonators working today. Seeing them at one of the world’s largest casinos, boasting the most slot machines of any one casino in existence, was just an added delight. There’s just something about an all inclusive casino that makes me all warm and fuzzy inside—they’re like Disney World with booze; plenty of adult fun to be had. Not to mention they’re probably one of the last refuges for smokers this side of the Mason-Dixon Line. They practically beg you to smoke. Where else can you lounge indoors, a cigarette in one hand and a glass of cheap wine, alternating with the handle of a slot machine, in the other? Ah, the simplicity and satisfaction of free booze and the (distant) promise of winning money. Leaving the casino, drunk with a large hole in your pocket where money used to be, is another story—indeed, this is what makes a show such as Legends a fabulous interlude to burning through your hard earned cash.

I went that night with my boyfriend, Chris, and his parents. We got to the casino and met up with some local favorites (you may know them from such productions as Gotham Citi Saturdays, Warehouse Tuesdays @ Vandome and Metroline magazine), Robb Bart, Michael Longo, Chris DeZinno and Metroline’s own, Joseph DaBrow. We grabbed a quick drink, an appetizer or two and headed over to the Fox Theatre to see the show. Of course (it’s inevitable), there were a few minutes of downtime before entering the theatre, and those damn one-arm bandits were calling. I swear those things bring out the kid in all of us—a child lost in a giant room with flashing lights, bells ringing and alarms sounding; all beckoning you, saying “go ahead, push that red button, just one little game, I dare you…” and it’s over. After a little playtime, we were ushered into the theatre, consisting mostly of older women, the husbands they’ve dragged, and families with their children—then there was our little motley crew. We took up the entirety of the front, raised row and awaited the show.

Introductions were done and the opening act came on, one of Motown’s most successful groups, The Temptations. While all the performers were quite good in their own way, this was one of my favorites. They took the stage and immediately captured the audience. They had it down, from the matching, tailored suits and the on-point choreography, to their ability to showcase individual talent, while maintaining a necessary unity. Listening to their sweet sounds I was taken back to childhood car trips with my mother, always playing some Motown favorite; if not the Temptations, it was the Supremes, the Shirelles, or the four Tops. She used to tell me she stopped listening to music after the 70’s, and I just as easily would have been content with their set at Legends. But, the show must go on and four more acts still waited…

While the Temptations succeeded with their smooth, soulful favorites, Sammy Davis Jr., the next performer, pleased the crowd with his typical multi-talented display of singing, dancing and comedy. As flashy as can be, he cascaded down an elegant staircase with two male dancers and a pair of Vegas-style showgirls at his side. Never having been much of a Sammy Davis Jr. fan, I thought he did a fine job and put on quite a performance with his entourage.

After Sammy’s very (true to character) polite exit, Bing Crosby came out next, crooning his way though some of his all time classics. Also accurately portrayed, Bing was dressed in a red woolen sweater, khaki pants, and donning a tan bucket hat— with a pipe and golf club to boot. He, too, was accompanied by a couple of female dancers, who slightly resembled a pair of high class strippers doing a more professional job on the side, dancing around Bing like he was their personal stripper pole. Despite this distraction, Bing pulled off the voice and mannerisms with accuracy. Unfortunately, he rather came across like a creepy old uncle escaped from the home—but I guess so did Bing Crosby himself.

Next up was my personal favorite, Liza Minnelli. I’m not exactly sure why Liza is such a gay icon — probably for a number of reasons. Most prominently, her mother was Judy Garland and they actually both ended up (oddly) marrying gay men. Whatever the reason, I had a bit of a tingle when she stormed the stage in that quintessential Cabaret outfit, sporting black thigh highs, a black corset and a black bowler hat (perhaps it’s the outfit, who wouldn’t find that hot?). We had our very own, personal Kit Kat Klub performance—and it was Faaabulous!

The final act was the one and only, jumpsuit wearing, fried chicken eating, king of rock ‘n’ roll: Elvis Presley. It’s Elvis, so expect the most involved, ostentatious Vegas-style performance of the night. He had the look down and sounded pretty good too; the ladies were swooning and the crowd was enthralled. A few lucky ladies even got to take a piece of the King home, as he had more than a few of his trademark scarves to offer up to his fans (why just the ladies Elvis?).

The night was capped off with a small grand finale as all the evening’s performers graced the stage for one more collective number. People seemed entertained and I, for one, enjoyed the show thoroughly. Obviously, some acts were better than others and much also depended on actually liking the original performers. Most of the group was pleased with the show (though Longo was confident he does a better Liza) and the memories the entertainers invoked of the original talents.

After the show I had the opportunity to meet with the majority of the cast and the producer, most of which (haha, especially Liza) were wonderful and engaging to talk with. Legends in Concert returns to Foxwoods this summer; beginning in May and running through September, this is a show you’ll want to check out. The performers vary as do the themes, so be on the lookout for your favorites. And hey, it’s at the casino (flashing lights, bells and whistles!) and it’s cheaper than seeing the real thing (and actually possible if they’re dead). No clocks, free booze, smoker-friendly, open 24/7, tons of entertainment and endless ways to put you in the poor house (but there’s flashing lights!)—really, what sounds better than that?

Tags: 2010, 37-4, LATE FEBRUARY