Was invited to attend a very special evening
of fabulous music in the showroom at The Orleans not to long ago by local
entertainment guru Jackie Baskow. And what an evening it was! Titled "Magical,
Mystical Night of Music" it starred a local resident and well-established star
of the concert stage, lyric baritone Grant Griffin. The producers also invited
two wonderful ladies, Patricia Welch and Jeneane Marie to join him during the
90 plus minute show. What a special evening it was and everyone involved needs
to be congratulated.
All in all there was something for everyone's
taste among the 16 songs presented by the three singers. The 20-piece orchestra
conducted by Peter Aaronson was perfect and did a magnificent job considering
they only had one rehearsal. Larry Hart, who produced and directed the show,
did a remarkable job and kept the production moving smoothly.
Griffin, who has a vast array of credits
ranging from the concert stage to command performances, opened the show with
"Mariah," followed quickly with "Full Moon and Empty Arms," "Crying For Love"
and ending with "Portrait of Love." He then introduced his first guest star of
the evening, Ms. Welch who joined him in a duet of "Time to Say Goodbye." Ms. Welch, like Grant, has an
extensive background including rave reviews for her outstanding performance as
Maria in "West Side Story." She also starred with the late Yul Brynner as
Tuptim on Broadway in the musical "The King and I." Patricia's two solos were
"Sempre Libre" and a wonderful "With One Look."
|
Griffin returned to center stage with three
more songs, showing his vast vocal range and ability to take one on a special
trip via his voice by doing "Granada," "Eri tu cher macchiavi" and Cuando Caliente
El Sol."
Then his other guest star of the evening was
introduced, Jeneane Marie. This is a lady who has worked with the best
including George Carlin, Mel Torme, Rich Little, Don Rickles, Jerry Lewis and
the incomparable, The Man himself, Frank Sinatra. She also toured with Mr. Las
Vegas Wayne Newton and was named "Entertainer of the Year" two years running in
our little city that never sleeps. Jeneane opened her portion of the show with
a dynamic "Simply the Best" followed by a dramatic and powerful "If I Could."
Grant joined her on stage for a beautiful rendition of "Wind Beneath My Wings,"
which brought the SRO crowd to their feet.
Griffin closed out the evening with "Danny
Boy" and "My Cup Runneth Over / I Believe." One thing was proven this particular
evening: our local residents are dying for great music and will support a show
like this. Of course with a person like Jackie Baskow and The Orleans helping
to promote it couldn't lose. And from what I understand the show got a lot of
help from Mr. Gus Reifenrath, Jewel Brooks, Dr. David Buanno, Joseph Gatt, Bob
Harry, Jimmy Girad, Chaz and Felilini's Italian Dining.
Seated in the audience were such luminaries
as Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt and her husband, Blackie, singers Carme, Steve Rossi,
Buddy Greco, Nelson Sardelli, comedian Bernie Allen, and Tony Sacca.
CONTINUE ON TO...:
>Las Vegas Entertainment Today Home Page
>Entertainment Today Article Archives
>LVLG "Heard Around Town"
>Las Vegas Leisure Guide
|
