Columnist Joe Delaney: Impressions on impressionists as showroom staples

Harrah's brass may make impressionist Danny Gans an offer he would rather not refuse, now that the Rio is part of the Harrah's family. ... Failing this, Gans will be going elsewhere when his current commitment ends on Dec. 31. ... Just as Siegfried & Roy have made magic the major form of entertainment in LV, Gans is energizing impressions as a viable showroom format.

With the absence of Rich Little and Frank Gorshin as LV impressionist regulars, Gans has had that field to himself until Bill Acosta re-opened the 350-seat Luxor Live Theatre, just before Christmas last year. ... Indications are Acosta may stay on past his original April closing date.

According to an old maxim, comparisons may be odious, but in the case of Gans vs. Acosta, they are inevitable. ... It should be noted first that Gans' show has an $83 tab; Acosta's ticket price, $24.95.

Gans is younger, more aggressive, and works at a breakneck tempo most of his time onstage; his musical background is both live and enhanced. ... Acosta is older, more traditional, and maintains a leisurely pace. ... His music is recorded and he is accompanied by six shapely female dancers. ... Both are accurate in their vocal depictions.

Each uses "The 12 Days of Christmas" as a featured piece. ... Each utilizes a different approach; the rapid voice changes are similar. ... Audience response to both versions is equally strong, the only real criterion. ... The poem itself, sans impressions, was a hilarious tour de force for comedienne Fay McKay at the Landmark in the 1970s, and later in the Dunes' "Casino de Paris."

Each year, the media reports on what the 12 days of gifts would cost at today's prices. ... There is another printed version that deals with the mess made by the various gift items.

An excerpt from the 1981 film, "On Golden Pond," with dialogue between Henry Fonda and Katherine Hepburn, is poignant as performed by Gans; Acosta adds an element of humor. ... Film superstar Jim Carrey did it better than either Gans or Acosta as part of a Mitzi Shore Comedy Store lineup at the Dunes in the mid-1980s. ... Segments like these are public domain.

Frank Gorshin was an impressionist headliner before Rich Little, but it was Little in the mid-1970s who was the first successful impressionist headliner. ... His strong suit was the presidential press conferences and the carbons of singers, past and present. ... Little's Richard M. Nixon was a classic, as were Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter that followed.

Presidential impressions became popular during John F. Kennedy's term, as done by the late Vaughn Meader on his best-selling "First Family" album. ... Meader's career went into a rapid decline after Kennedy's death.

During the 1950s, many comedians used quick takes on Humphrey Bogart, Jimmy Cagney, Edward G. Robinson and Cary Grant. ... Don Rickles, at the Desert Inn this weekend, does a little of Dean Martin, a touch of Tony Bennett, plus a flag-waving Jimmy Cagney as George M. Cohan in "Yankee Doodle Dandy." ... Two of the best in the past were Shecky Greene, semi-retired, and the late Sammy Davis, Jr.

TV's Ed Sullivan was a popular subject for impressionists. ... Will Jordan, still active, created the definitive Sullivan impression. ... He also contributed ideas to the late Lenny Bruce, including a prison break where Bruce used carbons of a dozen top film actors.

Impressions have always been popular. ... If Las Vegas can support Siegfried & Roy, Lance Burton, David Copperfield and Penn and Teller, all in town this Super Bowl weekend, there should be room here for two -- or more -- impressionist headliners.

It's David Copperfield and the Magical Empire (Caesars); Don Rickles (Desert Inn); Patsy Cline Tribute (Gold Coast); Steve Wyrick (Lady Luck); Bill Acosta (Luxor); Penn and Teller (MGM Grand); Siegfried & Roy (Mirage); Lance Burton (Monte Carlo); Al Martino (Orleans) and Danny Gans (Rio). ... Andrew "Dice" Clay is set for 11 p.m. shows Friday and Saturday in Bally's Jubilee Room. ... Best bet: Buddy Greco (Bellagio's Fontana Lounge).

Super Bowl Sunday is upon us and the sports book action should be heavy. ... Our gut feeling is that Atlanta can stay within a touchdown of Denver, so we may take the 7 1/2 points. ... See you Friday.

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