Night Clubs Reviews

May 15, 2008 - There's no business like Greg London's show business at Harrah's Reno

By Jack Neal

If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it! However – a quick-change make over isn’t a bad way to freshen up an act.

Not that Greg London’s “Icons” at Harrah’s Reno, which opened in August, needed freshening. Maybe the star of multiple stars just needed to catch his breath. Whatever Greg London is doing, it’s working. And, of course, portraying about five-dozen stars in 75 minutes, “he’s” working - as in overtime.

“Icons” isn’t quite a one-man show, but it comes close. So entertaining is the indefatigable London and his huge cast of impersonations, the entire gang could make Sammy’s Showroom their permanent home and a show-business destination for those who love fine, funny, family entertainment.

London is reminiscent of that wonderful Burton Lane lyric from the 1951 MGM musical “Band Wagon,” “How could you believe me when I told that I loved you when you know I’ve been a liar all my life?” Pretending to be someone else is the ultimate deceit, but the charming and engaging London shows no conceit in his deceit. He’s a nice guy who comes in first.

So does Kermit, the frog, one of London’s most charming impersonations. Kermit joins forces with Ozzy Osbourne in one – of many - of the show’s hilarious moments. Also on board are Willie Nelson and Julio Iglesias singing once again “to all the girl’s they’ve loved before.” Buddy Holly shows up, as does Tom Jones recapping “Delilah” and ducking sheet-size underwear. Elvis makes a nightly appearance decked out in a belt fit for one of those pumped-up chaps of WWF fame. To add a touch of romance, Tony Bennett still leaves his heart in San Francisco. There’s more, much more, just lots of things that make this second edition of “Icons” special.

The show is propelled by a solid band of four (music director and keyboardist David Zeman, drummer Chris Cooke, guitarist Barbara Leoni, bassist Danny Leoni), plus two gorgeous girl dancers - Chelsea Thompson and Brittany Irwin, (plus standby Natalia Pascucci, who was in the show the last time I saw it) – who sing as fabulously as they dance. Danny Leoni (the one in the band) is London’s sidekick in humor and his timing is perfection. He also belts a show-stopping “Biggest Little City in the World,” a not half-bad signature tune for the formidable glamour of the world’s one-time divorce capitol.

“Icons” is glued tightly together via the shrewd wit of writers Paul Miller, David Taylor and London himself. Donny Weaver’s quick-change costumes are just right for every occasion. Shirley Paxton’s lighting is terrific camouflage. Thank you Mark Cockriel and Nick Brill for a sound design that enhances without deafening. Chelsea Thompson provides the choreography that fits “Icons” like a glove. David Taylor’s direction creates the swift sense of timing that’s so important to comedy.

Greg London brings on the stars with the electricity only a very special talent generates. In an endearing way, London’s “Icons” exploits the talents of some of the luminaries who played Sammy’s Showroom during its days of big-name entertainment. How nice to have them back. How nice to have Greg London here to bring them back.

Greg London’s “Icons” plays Sunday, Monday and Wednesday at 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 9 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 775-788-29 00, 1-800-HARRAHS, or go online at www.harrahsreno.com.