Acosta's schtick similar to Gans', but different

An impressive crowd count at master impressionist Bill Acosta's 8 p.m. performance in the Luxor Live Theatre earlier this week, and the enthusiastic responses throughout would indicate that Acosta may be staying there long past his announced 16-week engagement, which started Dec. 23. The theatre has a steeper than usual rake or incline. The walk to your seat from the entrance could qualify as exercise. You'll find it is worth it.

Acosta is accompanied by six female dancers, capable and nicely-formed, plus a well-recorded soundtrack. A consummate dues-paying pro, he performs with ease and assurance, establishing one-on-one contact with the audience immediately upon entrance, which follows an opening dance number. "The Is The Moment," as himself, is the opener.

After a brief chat, he sings "Unforgettable" as Nat "King" Cole, later joined by Neil Diamond and Sean Connery. Tom Jones is a big winner in an early spot, then it's Dean Martin singing with Willie Nelson, Julio Iglesias and Jerry Lewis. Tony Bennett shares the stage with Johnny Mathis. Suffice to say, you will hear at least one near-perfect impression, some with a dash of satire, every 60 seconds during his 90-minute tour de force.

His show-stopper is a 15-minute version of "Twelve Days Of Christmas" where Acosta does an accurate Bill Clinton introducing his "friends" and what they gave him for Christmas. Danny Gans fans may protest that Gans does "Twelve Days Of Christmas." True, but here are two completely different versions, including the characters duplicated.

The dancers have their best segment in a well-executed romp to the music of Benny Goodman's classic, "Sing, Sing, Sing." Acosta as Acosta, in costume and with the girls, scores heavily as The Phantom singing "Music Of The Night." Gans fans may argue that he does this as well. They both do it, each in his own way, extremely well.

That last 15 minutes has numerous impressions where he again goes quickly from one to another as both impressionists do in the "Christmas" number. The Acosta closer is a Sinatra tribute, taking him through the years showing how his voice changed en route, most impressive.

None of the above should be construed as favoring either Acosta or Gans over the other. Just as Las Vegas often has Siegfried & Roy, David Copperfield, and Penn & Teller appearing in town at the same time, Las Vegas can do well with Acosta and Gans -- and Rich Little -- doing good business here simultaneously. Don't compare, just go and enjoy these multi-talented artists.

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