STARS IN CONCERT
Estrel Hotel, Berlin Germany
Produced and Directed by Bernhard Kurz
Company Manager: Frank Hubner

PROLOGUE: Last month I finally got around to reviewing “Legends in Concert” in Las Vegas. Ironically, this month’s review is of a show that actually began as a Legends show back in 1997. In 1998, “Legends in Concert - Berlin” (which had its share of internal problems and creative differences) became “Stars in Concert” and has continued to run smoothly & successfully now under the helm of producer BERNHARD KURZ. I had heard so many positive things about this show from many of my colleagues who had previously had the opportunity to perform in the cast. I was glad for the opportunity to witness for myself (from a reviewer and performer standpoint) that a celebrity tribute show that was based in a foreign country could actually hold up to its predecessors in the States - where these type of shows originated. I found, not only did this show “hold up”, but in some ways - surpassed its rival shows.

“Stars in Concert” appears 6 nights a week in the elegant Estrel Hotel in Berlin. Surprisingly, the percentage of the cliental is not compromised of hotel guests, but of locals and groups that continue to attend and support the show. The fact that the hotel is located in an ‘out of the way’ section of Berlin makes this even more impressive. I was also very surprised at just how diversified the ages of the audience members were; All ages, from kids to seniors, attend the show. The showroom is capable of seating up around 1000 people, if need be. Although the show seems to have a fixed cast of 6 performers, it is not surprising to see them rotated slightly on a daily basis. This is something I always felt Vegas’ “American Superstars” should follow suit on instead of staying with the same cast for extended lengths of time. The reviews below will reflect the various performers whose acts I was able to catch in the week that I was there observing the show before I actually made my “Neil Diamond” debut. I have opted to review each performer in a different format by listing “Pros”& “Cons”, along with a final synopsis.

THE CAST:

1. JOE PASSION (“Jerry Lee Lewis”) PROS: An accomplished musician from Toronto, CA, he sets the pace of the show by serving up a bravura rock & roll performance that climaxes with real flames shooting up from under the hood of his grand piano which eventually comes toppling down to the ground after one of the piano legs are kicked out by Passion himself for his over-the-top finale. CONS: Overemphasized southern drawl is sometimes a bit much even for English speaking people to understand, let alone a mostly German audience. BOTTOM LINE: Joe admittedly performs his own interpretation of the “Lewis” character by caricaturizing him (ala Dennis Quaid in the movie “Great Balls of Fire”). Normally I tend to frown at tribute artists who perform their acts in ‘camp’ style, but in the case of the Jerry Lee Lewis character, I feel that for entertainment purposes, it is probably best to follow this strategy, as Jerry Lee, himself, has been known his entire career for being quite erratic (to say the least) in his ‘live’ performances. Passion was wrapping his engagement in Berlin after being with the show for over 2 years. It was unanimous that he was the shows strongest opening act and also evident that he was going to be missed.

2. ROB HAWTHORN (“Rod Stewart”) PROS: His vocal resemblance to Stewart is as good as it gets and he works the stage and audience as naturally as Stewart himself. For that matter, it definitely doesn’t hurt that Hawthorn, like Stewart, is Scottish (his family hails from the “Isle of Lewis”). CONS: Doesn’t really possess a strong physical resemblance to Rod Stewart. BOTTOM LINE: A talented, experienced, veteran singer/performer (with numerous CD’s of his own) who has opened for many name acts all over the world. A very pleasant, likable chap, he was the only act in this cast that I was totally unfamiliar with, although I have previously worked with three of the top (“A” list) “Rod Stewarts” (John Anthony, Rob Caudill, & Rob Hannah). I admit that I was a bit leery at first only because it was obvious that Hawthorn’s physical resemblance was not as close as the other three “Rods” (his facial features are actually closer to Dana Carvey). However, keeping in mind that CLOSE physical resemblance is only one of three important traits required to be a stand out tribute artist, I watched and listened for the other two traits (vocal ability and onstage presentation) and was impressed by what I saw and heard.

3. COCO FLETCHER (“Whitney Houston” & “Tina Turner”) PROS: Great vocalist and onstage presence! A beautiful lady with a very strong “Whitney” look. CONS: “Tina” voice sounds more like Coco than “Tina”. BOTTOM LINE: In just about all cases, when a performer does multiple characters, one is usually stronger than the other. Fletcher is good at BOTH characters but her “Whitney” takes precedence. She added a new “Tina” set while I was there and it was KILLER!

4. WILLIAM HALL (“Michael Jackson”) PROS: Talented dancer and singer. One of the three top “MJ’s” in the world next to Sy and E’ Cassanova, in my opinion. CONS: Look is good but not quite as strong as other 2 above mentioned “MJ’s”. Noticeably shorter then Michael and tends to base the energy level of his performance on just how much the audience seems to be into his show on that particular night. In other words…if it’s not a “Michael” audience, he can consciously be lackadaisical. BOTTOM LINE: I had heard of, but had never seen or worked with William Hall. I know he has been with this show right from the beginning and possibly might be growing weary of the character - especially with all that is going on these days with his alter ego. Will is capable of being a wonderful, high energy performer. However, being that I was there for almost 3 weeks, I got to witness a certain unpredictability in his performance(s) that was not always in the best interest of the show.

6. ROB PROSPECT (“Tom Jones”) PROS: Powerful, dynamic, seasoned vocalist (as it should be). Moves like a more subdued (1990’s) “Tom”, but does not over exaggerate or caricaturize the artist that he is portraying. CONS: Look and sound may not be “dead-on” but is close enough to where no one would ever have to question it. BOTTOM LINE: This was a guy who I was very much looking forward to seeing and working with. I had heard good things about him for a number of years. Rob sings notes that Tom hasn’t hit since the 70’s - and with the same conviction.

7. MONICA SCHMIDT (“Aretha Franklin”) PROS: Phenomenal vocal range and power. Very personable. CONS: Resemblance to “Aretha” is purely superficial. BOTTOM LINE: She is a well trained vocalist from Ohio who now resides in Berlin. She appears in the show intermittently and is a delight to be around.

8. GRAHAME PATRICK (“Elvis”) PROS: Excellent voice and moves. Charismatic. Comes off genuine and not cocky. CONS: Vegas (jumpsuit) look is good but not as believable as early “Elvis” (possibly due to his height and short hairstyle). BOTTOM LINE: Grahame has always done a first rate respectable “Elvis”. Unlike many other “Elvi”, he does not over exaggerate or look uncoordinated performing the famous Presley movements - although, uncharacteristically, he will carry over some of the early “Elvis” moves into the jumpsuit “Elvis” portrayal. His Vegas era will not disappoint, but it his early “Elvis” that really stands out as one of the best in the world. He knows exactly how to work the lip and eyebrow mannerisms. Since I have seen Elvis so many times ‘live’ in concert, I tend to be very critical of this character. For whatever reason, the height issue is not as significant with the early “Elvis as it is with the later “Elvis”. One expects the jumpsuit “Elvis” to appear tall on stage (Presley was almost 6 feet and wore lifts on stage to make him appear even taller) with full hair and sideburns. Then again, as we all have come to know…these days, “Elvi” come in all shapes, sizes, and colors.

THE SHOW: Obviously there is not a look-alike show in existence where ALL the acts look and/or sound exactly like the stars they are portraying. What sets “Stars in Concert” apart from other top celebrity impersonator production shows these days is that ALL the acts (or at least the ones that I witnessed) were strong acts. There were no weak links in the line -up. The 4 piece Stars in Concert Band (supplemented at times with half tracks) are led under the musical direction of guitarist “Captain” RALF TONNIUS. These are some of the best musicians that I have ever witnessed in a multi-cast production show. They are very considerate and are more then willing to put the time and effort into learning each artist’s music correctly as it should be. This is almost unheard of when it comes to back up bands in these types of shows. Not enough can be said about the back stage crew. I was impressed by their organization - also a rarity in this business. The five Stars in Concert Dancers are first rate all the way, led by Australian dance captain/choreographer KATRINA MC EWAN, who, with her updated approach, gives the shows production numbers a fresher, more contemporary edge then any of her predecessors. My only gripe was that I felt that the legendary choreography of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” need not be altered since it is such a classic, recognized, piece of work. As they say…some stones are just better left unturned. The sound, lighting, costuming, visual effects and multi media in the showroom are excellent and extremely effective. So much so that they could easily be utilized for the real stars themselves. The themed décor on the stage features lit, wooden cut outs of some of the more famous hotels/casinos on the Las Vegas strip.

I feel it needs to be mentioned that producer BERNHARD KURZ has earned his place as an accomplished, award winning producer. He is genuinely interested about the input his people have to offer and tries not to stand in the way of their creativity. They are treated as family and NOT employees. Bernhard watches, listens, and cares. In turn, he receives the single most important thing a producer/director deserves from a cast - RESPECT. I thank him for the opportunity in being welcome into his family, as well as his leadership and friendship.

~ Quick note (s): While in Berlin, I also had the opportunity to take in 2 other excellent shows produced by BERNHARD KURZ…. Both shows are done in a more theatrical format with some scripted material featuring supporting actors and/or a moderator. The shows were an “ABBA” tribute entitled “Thank You for the Music” which featured 4 phenomenally sounding look-alikes that always perform to SRO audiences in Europe… …and ”All You Need is Love” (Beatles Tribute”) starring renowned “McCartney” impersonator Tony Kishman (still the best in the world), along with Jim Owen (“John Lennon”), Carmine Grippo (“Ringo Starr”), and the very effective John Brosnan (“George Harrison”).

~ I was actually able to squeeze in yet another “Beatles” tribute on July 4th at the Silverton in Las Vegas. The show, produced by KEN WEISS, entitled “When We Were Fab”, follows the now familiar format of chronologically showcasing the career (and costumes) of the Beatles, is definitely worth catching. This show stars David Leon (“John Lennon”), Alan LeBoueff” (“Paul McCartney”), David Brighton (“George Harrison”), and Beav Parker (“Ringo”)

BOTH “Beatles” tribute shows feature ex-“Beatlemania” performers and both received well earned standing ovations at the finale.

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

Legends In Concert 4/05