Stage West whisks us back the 1980s with a tribute to pop icons
The premise is that the 1980s produced some of the most iconic pop stars of all time. Because of their enduring popularity, superstars like Elton John, Tina Turner, Freddie Mercury, Whitney Houston, and Prince have all had films made about their lives and legacies. So spending a little time with their music is not just nostalgia, but a reminder of their contribution to pop music. Legends of the 80s is as much a tribute show as it is a pop concert.
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The six artist Stage West have assembled to channel these musicians weren't even born in that era, so they have definitely done their homework. It s remarkable how well they have captured the look, as well as the sound, of these icons.
Article content
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In the second half of Legends, Amanda De Freitas has a set devoted to Janet Jackson that is particularly electric. The male members of the troupe are her backup dancers and they cover songs like Nasty, Miss You Much, and What Have You Done. It's a demanding turn, yet De Freitas seems just as vibrant at the end of it as she does at the start.
Article content
In true diva fashion, and a whole different persona, De Freitas covers Whitey Houston. Director Lee Siegel even has her deliver Greatest Love of All at the top of a mini staircase in a shaft of light. It's what Houston, often did in her concerts with that song. De Freitas also gets to sing Houston's I Wanna Dance with Somebody, and she gives it the power and emotion that song deserves.
Article content
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De Freitas sings only What's Love Got to Do With It for Tina Turner. It really is a case of leaving the audience wanting more.
Article content
What Alex Smith does with George Michael is amazing. It's like watching a video of Michael, that's how exacting Smith's look and sound is. The man can really move, so he gives Ken Overbey's choreography the zing it deserves, no matter which song he's featured in.
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Ana Persijn Alarcon shows why Gloria Estefan was called not just and entertainer but a force of nature. The stage is a whirl of energy when Alarcon covers Get On Your Feet, Rhythm is Gonna Get You and Conga.
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Gabriel Macdonald makes a most convincing Billy Joel. There is a cheekiness about his performance that speaks volumes about Joel. His rendition of We Didn't Start the Fire gained huge applause, as did his version of Joel's signature song Piano Man. Gabriel also covers Bruce Springsteen's Dancing in the Dark, and he does the famous saunter through the audience to find a girl to dance with that Springsteen did in the video for that song 41 years ago. It was the MTV generation, so we have those moments captured for posterity.
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Stage West whisks us back the 1980s with a tribute to pop icons
Article content The premise is that the 1980s produced some of the most iconic pop stars of all time. Because of their enduring popularity, superstars like Elton John, Tina Turner, Freddie Mercury, Whitney Houston, and Prince have all had films made about their lives and legacies. So spending a little time with their music is not just nostalgia, but a reminder of their contribution to pop music. Legends of the 80s is as much a tribute show as it is a pop concert. Article content Article content The six artist Stage West have assembled to channel these musicians weren't even born in that era, so they have definitely done their homework. It s remarkable how well they have captured the look, as well as the sound, of these icons. Article content Article content In the second half of Legends, Amanda De Freitas has a set devoted to Janet Jackson that is particularly electric. The male members of the troupe are her backup dancers and they cover songs like Nasty, Miss You Much, and What Have You Done. It's a demanding turn, yet De Freitas seems just as vibrant at the end of it as she does at the start. Article content In true diva fashion, and a whole different persona, De Freitas covers Whitey Houston. Director Lee Siegel even has her deliver Greatest Love of All at the top of a mini staircase in a shaft of light. It's what Houston, often did in her concerts with that song. De Freitas also gets to sing Houston's I Wanna Dance with Somebody, and she gives it the power and emotion that song deserves. Article content Article content De Freitas sings only What's Love Got to Do With It for Tina Turner. It really is a case of leaving the audience wanting more. Article content What Alex Smith does with George Michael is amazing. It's like watching a video of Michael, that's how exacting Smith's look and sound is. The man can really move, so he gives Ken Overbey's choreography the zing it deserves, no matter which song he's featured in. Article content Ana Persijn Alarcon shows why Gloria Estefan was called not just and entertainer but a force of nature. The stage is a whirl of energy when Alarcon covers Get On Your Feet, Rhythm is Gonna Get You and Conga. Article content Gabriel Macdonald makes a most convincing Billy Joel. There is a cheekiness about his performance that speaks volumes about Joel. His rendition of We Didn't Start the Fire gained huge applause, as did his version of Joel's signature song Piano Man. Gabriel also covers Bruce Springsteen's Dancing in the Dark, and he does the famous saunter through the audience to find a girl to dance with that Springsteen did in the video for that song 41 years ago. It was the MTV generation, so we have those moments captured for posterity.
