“PERFORMING AS” starring Sharon Owens as “Barbra Streisand” and Sebastian Anzaldo as “Frank Sinatra”.
WHERE: Tuscany Hotel/Casino (Stars Lounge)
WHEN: Tuesday thru Saturday. Showtimes: 7:30pm & 9:30pm
PRICE: Dinner and show for $34.95 per person or Show (only) for two people for $49.95
The first thing that might come to ones mind regarding this production is “what’s the connection between “Frank” & “Barbra” that warrants placing the two together in a themed show”. Aside from the fact that the real Sinatra’s widow has the same initials as Streisand, and except for Babs making a guest appearance on Sinatra’s “DUETS” album (along with many others, none of whom recorded in the studio at the same time with Sinatra), you really have to reach to find any connection between the 2 musical Legends. Musically, the obvious connection between both artists is that their material is classified as (very) easy listening music that appeals mostly to senior citizens.
However, there actually is an internal tie-in here…
In August, 2003, Fox TV broadcast a weekly reality competition between, what was supposed to be, “normal/everyday” people being metamorphosized into their respective characters via professional make-up artists and vocal/dance “coaches”. It should be noted that there were some professional performers who were able to slip through the cracks by testifying that they had ‘normal’ jobs.
Sharon Owens (“Streisand”) was introduced as a “housewife” although she had been making a living in the business for several years. She came in first in the weekly semi finals earning $20,000. Brian Duprey who had previously appeared in “Legends in Concert” as “Frank Sinatra” also competed and won $20,000 for placing 1st during his semi-final week.
There were several other professional tribute artists who auditioned and/or competed, but failed to make the grade - at least as far as the “Performing As” judges were concerned.
Duprey went on to place 2nd, and Owens 3rd, in the championship finals losing the #1 spot to an unknown but talented Aretha Franklin impersonator named Sharon Youngblood who claimed the grand prize of $200,000. My guess is that a scandal would have erupted had one of the ‘pros’ claimed the grand prize.
“Performing As” ran a total of 6 weeks and was never picked up for renewal. For whatever reason, L.A. agent Michael Zanuck purchased the rights to the “Performing As” name and decided to produce a show with its respective 2nd and 3rd place ‘professional’ winners.
Before the show opened at the Tuscany hotel/casino, Brian Duprey backed out due to contractual conflicts/commitments with “Legends in Concert”. Zanuck, already being committed to the show’s theme, sought out and found his “Sinatra” replacement in Sebastian Anzaldo - an experienced musician/performer who was relatively unknown to the impersonator scene. The departure of Duprey brought an abrupt end to the already sketchy connection between the “Streisand” & “Sinatra” characters. It also left Owens as the sole “Performing As” connected star.
I have personally booked and worked with Ms. Owens in numerous shows. She has the strongest “Streisand” look in the business (nose and all) and vocally is second only to Cindy Harrelson (purists might note that Owens’ voice is a bit shriller than that of the real Babs).
Never-the-less, Owens has always done justice to the “Streisand” character and will not disappoint Streisand fans. As for the general public, my feeling is that if they can be lured into seeing the show, they may actually prefer Owens over Streisand due to Owens being more personable and Babs’ reputation for being the queen diva, not to mention her outspoken political views.
The trouble is that while other impersonated artists may have appeal with the general public, the music of Barbra Streisand appeals to Streisand fans only. Owens has admitted to me herself in the past that the “Streisand” character is a “hard sell”.
The “Sinatra” character is unquestionably the more popular of the two. FYI, “Frank” still remains a distant second, only to “Elvis”, in impersonator bookings.
The problem again is that the majority of the general public would prefer to see “Sinatra” with the more classic, personable, and humorous “Dean” & “Sammy” (as in the “Rat Pack” show at the Greek Isles). It is tough to relate to a ‘live’ “Streisand” and a dead “Sinatra” starring together.
Sebastian Anzaldo, although hardly a dead ringer for Sinatra, is a wonderful entertainer who does a commendable job of handling the Sinatra vocals and stage presentation. I predict that his career will advance in this industry as more people become aware of his talents.
The best part of the show is when the two are together singing duets that the two real performers never sang. The ‘cutesy’ onstage banter between the two is also refreshing and at times, very amusing, if reminiscent of a small scripted off-Broadway or LA stage show, which brings me to my next point…
Michael Zanuck, an LA agent, is obviously having a difficult time separating the very different ‘show’ mentalities between the two entertainment cities. This may possibly be due to Zanuck’s inexperience as a Las Vegas Producer. This is evident by the introduction of a tall tuxedo clad emcee at the beginning of the show. After making his way through the traditional “welcome” pleasantries, he then proceeds to take his place behind the grand piano (onstage) and ‘woo’ the audience with a couple of spiffy tunes - thus turning the showroom atmosphere into that of a piano bar. I found myself looking to for the tip jar on the piano to place a couple of bucks into (it wasn’t there).
BTW, the ‘host’ stays at the piano for the entire show, playing along with and/or complimenting the music tracks and occasionally contributing some very ‘loungey’ verbal interaction with each performer (ala Ken Lane from the old Dean Martin TV show).
The Star Lounge itself , a converted restaurant/bar, which can hold about 175 people if filled to capacity (there were about 35 people there this night), has a very cold ambience as opposed to the warmth a showroom is expected to have. The lighting and sound system brought new meaning to low budget production. Aside from a mandatory spotlight, there were 6 cans (lights) that did not change their settings for the entire show. The sound system made the back up music tracks sound ‘canned’ - almost to the extent of a home karaoke unit.
With minimal advertising (aside from a few in-hotel tourist magazines), “Performing As” remains one of the best kept secrets in Las Vegas. For that matter, the Tuscany itself is a small off the strip casino that is not generally known for housing shows.
After having a short conversation with Ms. Owens after the show, I got the impression that this was not a production she was prepared to endorse. As a matter of fact, she made it a point to make me aware that they had been there “only 3 weeks”.
Whereas “only 3 weeks” is usually enough time for a production to get the ‘kinks’ worked out, only time will tell if this one ever does and if the talent of the stars alone can save it.
 The FAB FOUR 11/03 |
TRENT CARLINI (The Dream King) 12/03 |
LEGENDS - MUCKLESHOOT 1/04 |
The REEL AWARDS 3/04 |
TJ TYLER'S KARAOKE PARTY 5/04 |
LEGENDS IN CONCERT 7/04 |
STARS IN CONCERT 8/04 |
DANNY GANS 9/04 |
PERFORMING AS 10/04 |
