Legends in Concert is back in Australia by popular demand for its 7th season, and features the best tribute acts of its 40 year history, including Elvis, Cher, Tina Turner, Freddie Mercury, Stevie Wonder and Cyndi Lauper. The artists look and sound just like their famous counterparts, and across a two hour live concert, perform a selection of greatest hits. Accompanied by a live backing band, and featuring the show’s Musical Director George Safire on electric guitar, it was a highly entertaining show.
Legends in Concert debuted in Las Vegas in 1983 for a six-week engagement in the heart of the famous Strip. It has since gone on to become the longest running show in Las Vegas’ history, earning entertainment industry awards like Show of the Year, Entertainers of the Year, Grand Slam and Show of Shows, awarded by the International Press Association.
The standout performance at the Twin Towns Showroom was Elvis, performed by Bill Cherry. An award winning artist who has been paying tribute to the King since 1989, Cherry looked and sounded the part in his bejewelled white suit. He performed classics such as ‘Suspicious Minds,’ ‘Burning Love’ and ‘I Can’t Help Falling in Love.’ He handed out silk scarves to the eager fans in the front row, and offered a kiss on the cheek to one lucky lady when he ran out of scarves!
Freddie Mercury was another remarkable performer, played by Fernando Castro. His vocals were impressive, as was his ability to confidently rock the stage complete with tight white pants, aviator sunnies and iconic microphone stick. The highlight of the entire show was the full length version of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.’ Another standout number was ‘Under Pressure,’ which saw Cyndi Lauper, played by Nellie Norris, expertly stepping up to sing David Bowie’s part.
The Act One standout was Cher, played by Annika Starander Weaver. Her set’s opener, ‘If I Could Turn Back Time,’ was a showstopper, and saw Weaver perform in a replica of Cher’s famous black Bob Mackie costume from the music video, which included a one piece leotard over a fishnet body stocking, leather jacket and knee high boots.
Weaver had an easy rapport with the audience, and in a charming moment, brought a male audience member on stage to join her in the duet, ‘I Got You Babe.’ Other set highlights included ‘Believe’ which saw Weaver make a quick change into a dazzling silver costume complete with silver headdress. She then wore a replica of her famous 1986 Oscars outfit during the bows.
Rounding out the cast were Tina Turner, played by Lori Mitchell-Gay, Stevie Wonder, played by Billy Buchanan, and the aforementioned Cyndi Lauper played by Nellie Norris. Mitchell-Gay’s vocals as Tina were powerful, and she looked the part in her silver minidress and big hair.
Her rendition of ‘River Deep, Mountain High’ was a fabulous set standout. Norris’ Lauper brought all the colour and energy of the ’80s, but it was her downtempo ballad ‘True Colours’ that was a set highlight. Buchanan’s Stevie Wonder opened the concert, with his funky anthems ‘Superstition’ and ‘Master Blaster (Jammin’)’ being the favourites.
Legends in Concert is a fun and entertaining show that is sure to evoke nostalgia and provide an unforgettable night out. The season at Twin Towns ends tonight with a performance at 8:30pm, but the tour continues for most of January at The Palms at Crown Melbourne.
Tickets to Twin Towns Tweed Heads: https://twintownssales1.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/137783
Tickets and info for The Palms at Crown Melbourne:
https://www.crownmelbourne.com.au/entertainment/live-shows-and-concerts/shows/legends-concert
Learn more about Legends in Concert: https://legendsinconcert.com/
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Cover photo credit: Lori Mitchell-Gay as Tina Turner courtesy of Legends in Concert Facebook.
