by Norm Johnson Send Me E-mail

When an entertainer, such as Bill Acosta performs, the audience usually has no idea what it takes to put 90 minutes of entertainment together. A singer tries to have highs and lows during a performance, ending of course on a high note. But an entertainer such as Acosta, who not only sings but does impressions and at least two special skits during his time on stage, may work on a single skit for months.

Take for example his current show, which closed at the SunCoast Hotel last Sunday. Not only did he revamp his famous "12 Day of Christmas" with new ad-libs, but he and his wife Jeanne Bavaro created a totally new skit based on the famous "Whose on First" routine done by Bud Abbott and Lou Costello a long time ago. Jeanne told this reporter that they worked on it for nearly six months: and it shows! Instead of doing the baseball routine Bill and his wife / manager / producer / mother changed it to computer language. And it is hilarious. Acosta uses two microphones and of course those two famous voices but the computer is the focus of the mixed up words. "Windows," "hard drive," and "words" are just a few of the words that get twisted. And I remind you of this -- he has to remember the entire routine, as he does for the "12 days," which is almost 20 minutes long. That's not easily done. Heck I'm lucky if I can remember a single joke.

Vince Falcone is Bill's conductor and musical arranger. The last time this writer watched the two perform at the SunCoast they introduced a new medley created by Vince and Bill Fayne (he's Clint Holmes conductor) titled "Somewhere." It was wonderful then I thought, but never satisfied until its perfect Vince, Bill and Acosta went to work to make it perfect. And the other night it was absolutely beautiful.

Acosta has a son in the Army stationed in Iraq and dedicated his opening number "Coming to America" to his son. And the audience, very patriotic by the way, stood and clapped along with the music in support. It was another great moment in time by a really nice guy.

Acosta also did his usual tributes to Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., and a bevy of famous voices from Bogart, Fonda and Dean Martin. But this time he also added a tribute to the late great Ray Charles and equally famous Rodney Dangerfield.

So, gang, let me remind you like I often do: the next time you see an advertisement for Bill Acosta go to the phone immediately and order your tickets. It's a journey you don't want to miss!

Barry Manilow was at the Hilton Hotel over on Paradise Road the other morning to let everyone within talking distance hear that he had inked a deal worth much $$$$ to perform in the big showroom. Since purchasing the hotel a while back the new owners have been working hard to bring it back to its glory days when Elvis was its star. They have now accomplished it with the signing of Manilow. He promises to make it a production worth seeing with lots of music and dancing. It'll not be a huge production like Celine or Sir Elton do down the street, but it'll be worthy of the Man who "Sings the Songs."

THIS AND THAT QUICKLY: A great singer by the name of Jeneane Marie is currently in the Casbar Lounge at the Sahara Hotel through this Sunday. If you want to see and hear an exciting voice, one that has been on stage with such stars as Bob Hope then get over there before she closes. You'll be glad you did...

The Second City has an all-new show at the Flamingo Hotel. It's hard to believe the show has been here for three years, but they have. The cast is always writing and performing new material, but this new revue features a fast-paced blend of scenes, songs and improv...

Kevin Spacey and his tribute to Bobby Darin have added a second night to his engagement at the Stardust Hotel. His current film "Beyond the Sea" has been getting tremendous reviews and I'm looking forward to catching his live performance on Monday, Dec. 27... I've heard rumors that a great friend of mine is thinking of coming out of local retirement and may return to the room he worked many years ago and helped make famous. More on this later. Ding, Ding, Ding is the clue here...

Well, gang, that's about it for this week.

I'm outa here!

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