“Jukebox” Spins More Brilliance From “Human Nature”

“Human Nature epitomizes what a live Vegas performance should be”.

When word got out that Human Nature, the ridiculously-talented Aussie quartet, was revamping their Motown show, my heart sank. As a hardcore fan, I’d seen Smokey Robinson Presents: The Motown Show starring Human Nature countless times. So much so that I’d memorized the dance moves, harmonies and song sequence. If you haven’t caught their act on numerous PBS runs, pick up a DVD of the performance – it’s a keeper.

What started out as a quiet residency seven years ago at the then-Imperial Palace Hotel became a word-of-mouth phenomenon. Then members Toby Allen, Phil Burton and brothers Andrew and Michael Tierney made a well-earned move to the luxurious Sands Showroom at Venetian…and the fans followed.

Splashier sets, slick video backdrops and elaborate lighting only enhanced what fans of true talent already knew – Human Nature epitomizes what a live Vegas performance should be. We’re talking impeccable choreography, jaw-dropping dance moves and legendary songs belted out in perfect four-part harmony. No lip-synching, no fakery.

Venturing beyond Berry Gordy‘s songbook is something that could have been a misstep. After all, the unique scenario of four white Aussies carrying on the Motown legacy was what Human Nature was all about, right? Not so fast…

It turns out that these longtime friends began their career 26 years ago as a doo-wop group (The 4 Trax), which segued into a boy band (check out a video here). Their Motown era was essentially a third phase. So why not break free from categorizing altogether? That’s what the Jukebox is all about.

Before the beginning of Human Nature: Jukebox, an actual jukebox sits alone on stage, setting a great tone for what the audience is about to experience. The curtains separate as the record player slides away, revealing the group and their incredible live band. Video clips of 45 RPM discs and jukebox tabs spin behind the performers like a roulette wheel until a seemingly random selection is made. Any genre of hits can land on the platter…and Human Nature performs each song in their signature style.

Recent hits like Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass“, Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off ” and the Bruno Mars/Mark Ronson collaboration “Uptown Funk” share equal time with legendary standards like “Under The Boardwalk” and “Dancing In The Street”.  Nothing is done as a throwaway, and the transition from one era to another is so flawless. The message is clear: great songs are timeless and universal. It’s sheer brilliance.

The tagline for Jukebox is “The Ultimate Playlist Live”, but it’s actually more than one collection. After the razzle-dazzle opening, Jukebox rolls out a few set pieces. A favorite of mine was a “date at the drive-in movie”, as a great-looking bobby-soxer couple danced across the stage while Human Nature belted out 50’s and 60’s favorites (clad in varsity jackets).

Fans of The Motown Show will certainly be pleased to know that many of their favorites remain in Jukebox. But unlike the previous production, which spent a significant amount of time introducing the quartet to the audience, Jukebox assumes that you already are familiar with Human Nature. That allows for plenty of good-natured banter and ribbing, much of it centered on brawny bass-voiced Toby’s sexuality.

Another segment dedicated to boy bands harkens back to Human Nature’s status as Australia’s number one male pop group. Once again, the genre is broadly visited, with stops for Jackson 5, The Beatles, even Village People. N’Sync, Backstreet Boys and New Kids fans will be on their feet with a medley of 90’s ear candy that is still infectious today.

A section that is usually set aside for audience requests took a bittersweet turn on the evening I attended (as an invited guest), as it happened to be the date that pop star Prince passed away. The group paid tribute to the Purple One by performing an a capella rendition of the 1995 Gold Experience hit “The Most Beautiful Girl In The World“. And it was, indeed, quite beautiful.

There are plenty of song-and-dance shows to choose from in Las Vegas, and Human Nature: Jukebox is one of the best in town. You’ll leave with a dance in your step and a song (or twenty) in your heart.

Human Nature: Jukebox performs Tuesday through Saturday at 7 pm inside Venetian Hotel Casino. Tickets start at $82.80 plus taxes/fees and can be ordered here. Enter promo code “TZOO2016″ for 35% off, good through December 30, 2016, courtesy of Travelzoo.com.

Photos: [Sammasseur, Human Nature Facebook page]

sammasseur

A fitness buff and Vegas fan. Sam enjoys shows, bargains, and cheap healthy eats.