Super performances mark 'American Superstars'

"American Superstars 1999" is a well-traveled production, now firmly ensconced in the Stratosphere's Broadway Showroom. The room was at capacity at the early show caught this week, and the prognosis was similar for the late show. Executive Producer Mark Callas and Producer-Director Donny Lee Moore have put together a very tight, high-energy, nonstop, 70-minute procession of celebrity tributes.

The "2001 Overture," originally "Thus Spake Zarathustra," played by an excellent live band led by Keith D. Nelson, had me expecting the original Elvis. Instead, we settled for a hot, live, 10-minute rap session with Will Smith as depicted by Stephen Miller. Sandy Taggart's Gloria Estefan was equally warm, also live, with strong backing, three selections in eight minutes, worth a fourth and extra time.

Charlie Daniels was portrayed by Nevada champion fiddler Johnny Potash, who raised the proceedings to an even higher plateau with "Devil Went Down To Georgia" and an "Orange Blossom Special" that was as good as we've ever heard this equivalent of "When The Saints Go Marching In." Daniel's dozen minutes was the strongest act duplication.

The next slot is a new location for the Spice Girls, with Nicole Padberg (Baby Spice); MacKenzie Marshall (Scary Spice); Debra Allen (Sporty Spice); Darlene Ryan (Posh Spice); and Brandy Nelson (Ginger Spice). Nelson doubles as line captain for the Superstar Dancers; Allen and Ryan are also doubling. The dance troupe also includes Nicci Abram, Branwen Hackett, Aimee Leonard and Julie Pitts.

Eight minutes were more than enough for the Spice Girls segment, which relied on taped vocals as well as live singing.

Madonna (Coty Alexander) is in the next-to-closing star slot, backed by a number of the dancers in an entertaining turn that made the most of its 12 minutes. Alexander carried it off very well to strong audience response.

Damian Brantley is an effective Michael Jackson, with all the dance moves and costume changes as he romped through four selections with various dancing accompaniment. His Moon Walk was the equivalent of Potash's "Orange Blossom Special," rating instant recognition and applause.

Brantley winds up the proceedings and does all the credits, bringing the cast back for acknowledgement and bows. Three choreographers are credited as well: Rafael Delarosa, Lori Palmer and Brandi Nelson.

The Superstar Band -- with Nelson conducting and on bass guitar; not that Rich Little, trumpet; Ted Kraemer, trombone; Steve Dawson, saxophone; Todd Rogers, keyboards; Enrique Corro, guitar; and Randy Brungardt, drums -- is another strong argument on behalf of live music for all shows, the only way to fully achieve that Zen oneness between performers and audience that makes it a complete entertainment experience.

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