Night Clubs Reviews

Jun 21, 2005 - Greg Thompson's "Broadway Showstoppers" razzle-dazzles 'em at Harrah's Reno

By Jack Neal

There really is no business like show business and producer Greg Thompson knows well how to pull out all the stops that razzle-dazzles audiences who just can't get enough of the smell of grease paint.

Mr. Thompson's "Broadway Showstoppers" opened 6/2/05) recently in Sammy's Showroom at Harrah's Reno. The show gives fans of Broadway musicals a chance to hear and see some of the Great White Way's best moments without having to sit through the slow times waiting for the best of times to happen.

Hosted by a winning and nonchalant Jim Pferschy, "Broadway Showtoppers" works its way through twelve musicals and over three dozen songs and dances in just over 70 minutes. To say the show moves along is a mild understatement.

Opening with the huge and reverberating sounds of organ music Andrew Lloyd Webber uses as a foreboding launching pad for his "The Phantom of The Opera" through "Mama Mia," close to the latest Broadway musical rage, "Showstoppers" is an appetizing mix of musical styles that fits a mxture of tastes in music theater except the most absolute bizarre.

Choreographer and costume designer Mistinguett is on board for this shrewdly put together entertainment package. She's one of the major talents that makes Greg Thompson one of America's leading producers of nightclub shows. Mistinguett's creations in exciting dance and lavish costumes for "Masquerade" from "Phantom" and "Opening Night" from "The Producers" is high style and with-it showbusiness as are all of the musical numbers she stages and dresses.

Singers Gene Yaws and Tina Cool, a most attractive husband and wife team, are first-rate Broadway vocalists and bring assured performances to all they sing. Their "All I Ask of You" at the top of the show is wonderfully romantic and the best moment from "Phantom." Tim Tenhemburg is a fine singing actor and joins Mr. Yaws for an upbeat and engaging "We Can Do It" from "The Producers."

The gist of this delightful mix is that musical comedy fans can see (and hear) Broadway's best at a fraction of the price Broadway show tickets and airfare to New York cost. It's not bad premise for a show and pans out to be lots of fun, easy on the eyes, nice to hear and very entertaining. The show's female dancers - Chelsea Thompson, Bethany Bitz, Britney Irwin, Chanel Keesling and Victoria Leigh - are gorgeous, wear clothes beautifully and dance and move splendidly.

For another opening, another show with a show that feels like singing and dancing and does, Greg Thompson's "Broadway Showstoppers'" gotta-dance, gotta-sing chutzpah pleases every moment it's on stage.

"Broadway Showstoppers" can be seen nightly except Tuesdays in Sammy's Showroom at Harrah's Reno, 219 North Center Street, Reno. For information call 1-775-786 3232 or 1-800-HARRAHS.

The foregoing review was heard in its entirety on KUNR-FM's (88.7 on the FM dial in Northern Nevada) "Entertainment Headlines" Friday, June 10, 2005. For a replay contact KUNR-FM's archives.