Night Clubs Reviews

Aug 28, 2007 - Greg London's "Icons" at Harrah's Reno reaches for the stars and strikes gold

By Jack Neal

What do Kermit the Frog, Willie Nelson and Ozzy Osbourne have in common?

Impressionist Greg London, that’s who!

Entertainer and nightclub star Greg London has moved his show, “Icons,” from London’s West End to America’s West Side - Harrah’s Reno in sunny Nevada to be exact. Immigration being today’s hot topic, migrating from the world of Big Ben to the world of Wild West is quite a leap. But when a show has legs, in this case frog legs, the leap is as easy as one of Kermit’s enlightening croaks.

The triumphant Mr. London - his show is not just a popular success, it’s a critical one as well - has brought some 60 celebrated personalities with him. That’s a lot of baggage for one trim, slim young man to carry in one talented body, but what a frugal package it is for cost-conscious fans who can wallow in the glow of their favorite stars in a 75 minute show that simply flies past. The teaming of a glib Kermit the Frog and a speech challenged Ozzy Osbourne for a memorable turn at center stage is just one of the show’s sensational moments.

In addition to London’s multi-star impressions, the show is propelled by a solid band of four (drummer Tony Savage, music director and keyboardist David Zeman, bassist Danny Leoni, guitarist Barbara Leoni), plus two gorgeous girl dancers (Chelsea Thompson and Brittany Irwin) who sing as fabulously as they dance. Looking a bit like Danny Devito, Danny Leoni (he’s in the band) is London’s sidekick in humor and his timing is perfection.

There’s more, much more, just lots of things that make “Icons” special. A star who’s magnetic, aims to please - and does, has loads of talent and is as pleasant on stage as he can be is a huge plus. The writing by Paul Miller, David Taylor and London, is classic comedy writing reminiscent of the glory days of polished hilarity a la Jack Benny, George Burns, Jackie Gleason and Fred Allen.

“Icons” is tied together with a script and lines that are funny, funny, funny from start to finish. Donny Weaver’s quick-change costumes (all those stars must look like stars) are just right for every occasion. Shirley Paxton’s lighting designs hide what needs to be hidden and enhance what needs to be enhanced. Mark Cockriel and Nick Brill’s sound design is full bodied but never ever too loud. Chelsea Thompson’s choreography is the frosting on this wonderfully concocted soufflé. David Taylor’s direction is the timing that makes the whole show zing.

There are no complaints from my corner. Greg London brings on the stars in a brilliant show that lights up the sky with the ultra high wattage that only a very special talent generates.

Greg London’s “Icons” plays Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays at 8 p.m., Fridays at 9 p.m. and Saturdays at 8 and 10 p.m., in Sammy’s Showroom at Harrah’s Reno, 219 North Center Street, Reno, Nevada. Admission: $29.95 and $34.95. For information call 775-788-2900, 1-800-HARRAHS, or go online at www.harrahsreno.com.