Night Clubs Reviews

Dec 13, 2004 - 'Tis the season for Sunny's jubilant "High Sierra Christmas Show" at Harrah's Tahoe

By Jack Neal

Sunny stars once again at Harrah's. This time it's the legendary South Shore Room at Harrah's Tahoe in her jubilant "High Sierra Christmas Show."

It's not the high voltage nightclub act Sunny usually presents, but a lovingly put together fun and nostalgic outing with a wide range of Christmas favorites. It's a Christmas special that plays well to the star's personality, which is upbeat and sweet - the kind hearted girl next door, even if the girl next door has Sunny's astonishing good looks. Nice girls can finish first as Sunny proves time and time again with shows packaged for any occasion that entertain in the grandest of show business traditions.

A mainstay of Sunny's success is her partnership with producer Greg Thompson, who just happens to be her husband. The lavish look of the show - a sumptuous, snowy wintertime set designed by Jason Phillips with gorgeous costumes designed by Mimi Countryman and Alice Worthy - is but one indication the couple is intent on spending what it takes to please, a refreshing change of pace where the bottom line has all too often produced much that's mediocre.

Backed by the David Grantham Band - Grantham on guitar, Joe McKenna on bass, John Shipley on keyboards, Rufus Haereiti on drums and Doug Coomler on saxophone - the band does what excellent live music should do: allow the show to flow with impeccable timing and without a hitch.

Also on board are the University of Nevada Reno Chamber Choir and the Reno Chamber Singers conducted by Duane Karna. There's nothing stiff about these two choral groups on stage. Tucked snugly into the show's winterland forest, these choristers come off as having a grand time bringing joy to anyone within earshot, and joy is what they bring to this show. The choirs sing beautifully and make the transition from concert hall to nightclub stage like troupers.

Much like Santa's sleigh making the rounds on Christmas Eve, Sunny's show takes off for an eclectic romp with touches rock 'n' roll, country, boogie woogie and traditional treatments of such songs as "I'll Be Home for Christmas," "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," "Sleigh Ride" and "White Christmas." All are packed with the wallop or lyricism they must have to be at their best.

Another plus for Sunny fans, Sunny's girls are back - brief night-before-Chrtistmas visits by Mae West, Marilyn Monroe, Dolly Parton, Bette Midler and Joan Rivers - impressions the star does so well she's close to being better at being these ladies than the ladies are at being themselves. Through it all, Sunny includes her audience as part of the show with affection and seamless ease.

Then, with amazing grace Sunny fits "O Holy Night" in reverently amidst the show's goodtimes like the jewel of the season it is. What a special entertainer Sunny is. And what a very special nightclub show Sunny's "High Sierra Christmas Show" is for anyone who loves the holidays and smooth, first-rate entertainment.

Sunny's "High Sierra Christmas Show" plays the South Shore Room at Harrah's Lake Tahoe Casino Hotel, Highway 50, Stateline, Nevada, at 8 p.m. December 10, 12, 17, 18, 19, and 3 p.m. Dec. 11 (2004). For information call 800-427-7247 or go on line at www.harrahs.com.