Nov 18 - 29, 2015
at
Gateway Playhouse
The Company
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DENITA ASBERRY
(Aretha Franklin)
Denita Asberry brings the kind of charisma portrayed only by a real legend to her performance as Aretha Franklin in the award-winning live tribute show Legends In Concert. Danita's confidence shines with experience and confidence as she electrifies audiences with her uncanny look and powerful voice. A professional singer and performer since the age of 16, Denita knows her craft well and is equally versed in jazz, pop, rock and rhythm & blues. She began impersonating her favorite singers in the National Touring Company of BEEHIVE. There she honed the character and movements of Aretha Franklin. Audiences showed their appreciation by telling Denita that she had a striking resemblance to a young Aretha Franklin. From this experience, Denita began her tribute to the superstar. Today, Denita performs throughout the U.S and internationally as the Motown diva. With the resurgence of Motown, Denita is busier than ever and continues to delight her fans. |
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BARRIE CUNNINGHAM
(Jimmy Buffet)
Barrie Cunningham is a producer, entertainer, singer and musician. He has spent most of his life entertaining in clubs, lounges, showrooms, concert halls and on cruise ships around the world. He performs as a solo act or with full accompaniment. He began performing in coffeehouses singing folk music when he was 15. He later made his mark in Southern California with the popular rock-a-billy group Black Slacks. He has received many awards including Entertainer of the Year in San Diego, California and was a principal act in a show voted Show of the Year in Reno, NV for 3 years. In 2008, he performed a concert for the opening of the new American Embassy at the historic Brandenburg Gate-Berlin, Germany. Since 1990, Barrie performed about 300 dates per year, 2 shows per day, and entertained more than 3 million show-goers. His shows perform in theaters and main casino showrooms, on cruise ships and at major corporate events. He is a popular guest on TV talk shows and receives a great deal of news press in the cities where he performs. Although best known for his live performances, he is also a recording artist with several releases. Barrie performs original material as well as songs composed by other artists. Barrie also has extensive experience in entertainment booking, production and showroom/theater operations. Barrie is probably best known for his incredible tributes to the legendary Neil Diamond, Jimmy Buffett, and Neil Young. Barrie performs these tributes in main showrooms, theaters and cruise ships around the world including Japan, Russia, Hawaii, Canada, Australia, the Caribbean and Europe. His tributes to Diamond and Buffett were the first tributes to play an indefinite engagement in a main showroom in a major Las Vegas Casino. Roger Bartlett and Fingers Taylor, two of Jimmy Buffett’s original Coral Reefer Band members now perform with Barrie in the most authentic Buffett tribute available. Other Jimmy Buffett band members you may see with Barrie include Mike Utley, Robert Greenidge, Amy Lee, TC Smith, Doyle Grisham and more. |
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KAREN DONALDSON
(Dolly Parton)
Karen Donaldson, performing as Dolly Parton on the Legends stage, has a truly magnificent stage presence. On her way to becoming one of Legends’ best Dolly tribute artists; she has impressed crowds country-wide, time and time again. Coming from a family of musical people where everyone either picked up an instrument or sang along to the tune of the hour, the stage is as close to her heart as her son. She started by singing at family reunions, gospel quartets and trios, and then started venturing into theatrical productions and country music. Drawing inspiration from Madonna, Cindy Lauper, Martina McBride and Dolly Parton, as Karen grew, so did her passion for music and performance. Now, she’s been cast in regional and national commercials, acted in the Murder Mystery Dinner Theater shows at the House of Blues, featured in “The Dean Martin Show” at the Palace Theatre, and performed as an impersonator for “Dino’s TV Variety Show”. She was in the off-Broadway hit “The Marvelous Wonderettes”, and was the understudy for both female roles in “Golf: The Musical”. Not to mention, she has been the opening act for recording artists such as Trace Adkins and Ricky Van Shleton. Harnessing this wide array of professional experience, and topping it off with outstanding costumes, wigs and makeup, Karen brings her Dolly Parton act to life for Legends in Concert. Come hear her sing Dolly’s best, and prepare to be impressed. |
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ERIC MARTIN & CARMEN ROMANO
(The Blues Brothers™
)
When Eric and Carmen explode on stage as a tribute to "The Blues Brothers™ ", it's like a non-stop freight train!! With the opening number "I Can't Turn You Loose", to the climatic finale of "Shout", this Blues Brothers™ tribute captivates the audience with a high-energy performance. The blend of Eric as Dan Aykroyd and Carmen as the late John Belushi is a perfect mix in re-creating the "Blues Brothers™ ". However, these "BLUZMEN" go a step further. They showcase some of the original choreography with a few "steps" of their own. As one show critic put it: "These two men have it all down! The look, the sound, every move and the crazy antics!!!" Eric and Carmen have been performing together as "The Blues Brothers™ " for over 20 years in over 9500 shows worldwide. For ten years, they have been a staple in the award winning show "Legends in Concert" in Las Vegas. To this day they are still considered to be one of the most popular acts to have ever graced the highly successful show. Their popularity is not limited to just Las Vegas. They have showcased their act across the United States and all over the world! Their talents have taken them to many countries, including: Russia, Japan, Canada, Finland, Mexico, Thailand, Germany, Austria, France, Latvia, Bermuda and the Bahamas. They have also made numerous appearances on television, including: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Today Show, MTV, VH-1, ESPN, CBS This Morning, Entertainment Tonight, Leeza and the #1 rated show in Japan, Monomane. Night after night, they sing and dance with a frenetic energy that brings down the house. They have become legendary because of their infectious energy and excitement that is generated among their audiences! Following are a few quotes of celebrities and dignitaries about Eric and Carmen. "Terrific" …Jay Leno. "These Guys Are Great!" …Dick Clark "John Belushi, would have been proud" ...Bernie Brillstein (Belushi's personal manager and executive producer of The Blues Brothers™ Movie) "The Greatest!" …Kenny Guinn, Former Nevada Governor. "Fantastic!"…Wayne Newton. "Incredible!"…Frankie Valli…"If it isn't Eric Martin and Carmen Romano, then it isn't the Blues Brothers™ !"…House of Blues Of these two men, Dan Aykroyd himself, may have said it best: "BURNIN' MAN". |
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FRANK MOORE
(Prince)
Audiences shriek in disbelief at Moore’s uncanny accuracy and Prince-like energy as he performs Prince favorites like “Purple Rain,” “I Would Die 4 U” and “Baby I’m A Star.” Growing up in New Orleans, of course Moore was influenced by Bourbon Street Jazz, yet leans toward Pop and R&B. Fronting his own band in high school strangers would tell him he looked like Prince. Eventually, he started doing lip synch impressions of Prince in local contests. Audience response was addictive and Frank started working on Prince’s voice. Although he enjoys doing Prince and adores the audience response, he still aspires to be a star in his own right. Frank mirrors Prince in more than looks. Frank writes and records his own original material, and he just completed a CD in Hawaii. Moore can also be seen in a cameo appearance in Scary Movie, as well as the Saturday Night Live, “Wayne’s World” video with Mike Myers. Moore is first and foremost a commercial artist, and tries to fit sculpturing and art into his busy schedule. He also enjoys creating and making celebrity dolls (sometimes for real Superstars). |
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JOELLE RIGHETTI
(Cher)
With a vast array of experience in Las Vegas show business, Joelle Righetti has worn many hats in her career: Singer, Actress, Cher Impersonator, Magician’s Assistant, Musician and Songwriter. This Las Vegas native and proud Italian, has graced the stage in local productions such as Lance Burton and Vegas! The Show, as well as showcasing her original music both locally and Nationally. In early spring 2015, Billy Topit, a feature film in which she is a featured lead, will be released. Beyond her professional pursuits, this single mother has a heart for those in her family and community: leading worship at a local church and mentoring troubled youth. |
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