Show Palace's 'Viva Vegas - The Sequel' sizzles with talent

Why go to Vegas when you can experience a top notch Vegas style revue right here in Hudson. "Viva Vegas - The Sequel!" an original musical revue, now playing at Show Palace Dinner Theatre in Hudson is a masterpiece. With lavish glittering sets by Tom Hansen, and gorgeous costumes by Angela D. Hoerner, and a fabulous cast, this show sizzles with talent. Artistic Director Matthew McGee once again shows his creative brilliance. Not only did he write and direct this original script, he also stars as one half of the comedy/performance team of Flecht and Hemming. He and Katie Kerwin, the other half of the team, who plays his wife, Sylvia Hemming, headline this revue, along with help from W. C. Green and Millicent K. Hunnicutt. Add an equally talented ensemble, and it is the formula for success.

Music Director Michael Ursua composed an original opening number and created several lovely arrangements of old Vegas standards specifically for this show.

On opening night, other than a few sound glitches, everything ran smoothly, inspiring one of our tablemates to comment, "Hey, I was just in Vegas, and this is a better show than what I saw there two weeks ago."

McGee and Kerwin are husband and wife performance team Morty Flecht and Sylvia Hemming. They have retired to New Port Richey, and settled into a rather 'ho hum' marriage, where Morty panics if he loses the remote, and Sylvia has become the consummate nagger.

Then they receive an invitation to return to Vegas for one last performance at the Breaking Winds Casino before it gets demolished to make room for a parking lot. But much has changed in Sin City over the years, and we get to experience the sights and sounds of this great city as they return for their last moment in the spotlight.

Friends for many years, McGee and Kerwin are a formidable comedy team when paired together on stage.

Looking a little like Charles Neilson Reilly in his big glasses and baggy jogging suit, McGee has his own brand of comedy schtick as he sings, dances, and makes a heck of a lady in drag.

His hilarious burlesque number, dressed as a woman, as he clings to the stripper pole brought the house down.

Kerwin is in her element. A lithe dancer with a powerful voice, she commands the stage, whether it is in the opening number, or in the Juliet Prowse styled glamorous dance number "In the Big Time."

Kerwin's belting voice always leaves you wanting more. McGee and Kerwin tap out a little soft shoe in the "From Sea to Shining Sea" segment, as they spit out lyrics like bullets in "Morty and Sylvia's Grand Tour," naming every city and state on their road tour.

At well over six feet, W. C. Green is a commanding presence, both physically and vocally. As McGee and Kerwin board the flight for Vegas, Green, as the pilot, croons "Come Fly With Me," while a bevy of gorgeous stewardesses provide choreography and vocal backup.

As The Crooner, his velvet baritone voice makes women swoon in "Moon River," as dancers Olin Davidson and Courtney Tilford perform a perfectly executed romantic ballet in the background.

Green later dons the Elvis white spandex trademark jumpsuit with bell bottoms and sings Ursua's medley arrangement of Elvis hits, including, "Suspicious Minds," "Kentucky Rain," "Burning Love.," and the show closing number, "Viva Las Vegas." He also pays great tribute to Tom Jones in "She's a Lady."

Hunnicutt, as the sexy Vegas showgirl, shows great versatility and lends her silky, smooth voice to several outstanding numbers, including, "Love is Wonderful."

She takes on a country twang with "When Will I Be Loved," and becomes a sexy vixen with "Fever."

An audience favorite was the female impersonators who convincingly lip synched as Tina Turner (Taavon Gamble), Barbra Streisand (Olin Davidson), Dolly Parton (Christopher Schoendorf), and Cher (Troy LaFon).

Olin Davidson also deserves kudos as the flamboyantly fey dance captain in the hysterical sketch at the dance studio where McGee and Kerwin must demonstrate they've still 'got' it.

Gershwin fans will enjoy the medley of love songs arranged by Ursua and sung by McGee, Kerwin, Green and Hunnicutt. Their tight harmony was pitch perfect, and included "I've Got a Crush on You," "Nice Work If you Can Get It," and "Somebody Loves Me."

"Viva Vegas - The Sequel!" is packed full of fantastic dance segments, where Kerwin's choreography positively pops. The foot stomping dance to "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" complete with dueling violinists is a stunning piece of genius.

Kudos go to ensemble member, Christopher Schoendorf, who sang "Boot Scootin' Boogie," and to the dancers for the fancy line dancing, which inspired our tablemate to whisper to his wife, "It makes me want to line dance ... and I hate line dancing!"

Fast paced from start to finish, "Viva Vegas - The Sequel!" is a terrific show. This one is a winner - Call now to reserve tickets.

"Viva Vegas - The Sequel!" runs through May 31 at the Show Palace Dinner Theatre, 16128 U.S. 19, Hudson.

Friday and Saturday shows start at 8 p.m. and the Sunday matinee starts at 3 p.m. Doors open two hours before each show for dinner and cocktails.

On Sundays, the doors open at 1 p.m. and show starts at 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday night performances begin at 8 p.m., and doors open for dinner and cocktails at 6 p.m.

Matinees are available on most Wednesday, Thursdays and Saturdays and doors open for dinner and cocktails at 11:30 a.m.

Tickets are $46, plus tax, for dinner and show. Show only is $34.95 plus tax. Call 727-863-7949 or 888-655-7469 to reserve tickets.