Is “One Epic Night” A Slam-Dunk For Plaza Hotel?
Sammasseur Reviews The New Show At Downtown’s Beleaguered Hotel
You’ve got to hand it to the regime at Plaza Hotel, that towering classic at the corner of Fremont and Main Streets. They’re a daring bunch, unafraid to try outlandish concepts with the hope that something catches fire. Things like a mini-golf bar…a lingerie barber shop…the Insurgo Theater Movement…and a hidden speakeasy.
Unfortunately, none really succeeded, except for Oscar’s Beef/Booze/Broads, another Hash House A Go Go location and a pizza counter in the back of the casino. And along with numerous flops, the Plaza has been slammed with a nonstop run of bad luck. For instance:
- Right after renovations to the casino and rooms, a severe thunderstorm brought down sections of the ceiling, flooded the casino and knocked out power.
- An indoor/outdoor beer garden that promised real greenery underwhelmed….perhaps because the grass died and a so-called “living wall” dried up into an dead-looking eyesore. It didn’t help that construction crews were tearing up Main Street mere inches from the outdoor patio for well over a year.
- Even the highly-touted pool renovation, whose opening we attended last month, was tainted when a cool-looking food truck (lifted by crane onto the fifth-floor deck) got shut down by the health department just two weeks ago.
Those are just the problems that quickly come to mind. There are many more. And yet, Plaza continues to press onward like the Little Engine That Could.
Entertainment options at Plaza’s classy old-time showroom haven’t fared much better. A comedy/magic variety hybrid named Avante Garde disappeared like a magician’s coin. Long-running American Storm male revue briefly tried to turn up the heat at Plaza before disappearing to parts unknown. And the poorly-named Phat Pack failed to draw in sufficient crowds, despite a talented cast and nice production values. Only comedian Louie Anderson hung on for a substantial amount of time.
But as I said above, the determined Plaza team refuses to be beaten down. Even when Avante Garde tanked, they promised that it would return in one form or another. Perhaps that’s why the new show One Epic Night seems somewhat familiar.
The variety-hybrid concept that carries over from Avante Garde is, unfortunately, the weakest element to One Epic Night (I attended the premiere performance as a media guest). An uncomfortable mix of rock concert and magic acts, it’s essentially two productions competing for your attention from the same stage.
Alas, these strange companions would thrive much better if split into two separate entities. An afternoon magic show and an evening concert experience would fill out Plaza’s entertainment roster nicely. Each cast is strong enough…and worthy enough…to stand on its own. And they individually appeal to their own demographic. But together? Ummm….no.
The core of One Epic Night‘s concept is itself quite sound. Collect finalists from the most popular TV talent shows (American Idol, The Voice and America’s Got Talent) and let them do their thing. The approach becomes even more appealing when the press materials promise a rotation of acts to entice people into returning.
As someone who never watches television (like, never..seriously), I went in blind to the roster of performers on premiere night. The talent included James Durbin, Megan Ruger and Will Champlin as the vocalists, along with comedic magicians Jarrett and Raja. Feel free to click on their individual names to learn more about each act.
Everyone in the line-up is fresh, attractive, wonderfully talented and has earned his or her place on the stage. Each individual act is also given enough time to shine in the spotlight before coming together for a grand finale. But aside from the awkwardness of a magic/singer mash-up, there are a couple of other caveats:
Despite my nostalgia-based affection for the Plaza Showroom, the technology inside is woefully outdated. It was difficult to enjoy or appreciate the strong vocals and live musicians when pumped through a weak, muffled sound system (even the pool deck has powerful new Bose equipment). The video screens that flank the stage are dim, low-res and flickered frequently, proving to be more of a distraction than an enhancement.
Secondly, there is virtually no set dressing to the stage. The band is situated in front of a plain backdrop with the drummer perched on a cheaply-made plywood box. Aside from some lighting and fog effects, that’s it. If One Epic Night hopes to put Plaza entertainment back on the map, it needs way more bells and whistles. Right now, the show evokes the feeling of watching a garage band at the county fair.
As with most ventures that Plaza has taken on in recent years, One Epic Night is bound to suffer a few skinned knees and bruises. But with the hotel’s reputation for stick-to-it-iv-ness, this show might eventually prove to be a long-term success. Not necessarily a slam-dunk, but the breakout hit that Plaza needs…and deserves.
https://youtu.be/N04mOkonFUk
One Epic Night performs Saturday through Wednesday in the Plaza Hotel Showroom. Performance times vary by day. Tickets start at $59.95 plus taxes/fees and can be ordered here. The show runs approximately 70 minutes and is suitable for all ages.
Photos: [Sammasseur, Abigail Buckner, One Epic Night via Facebook]
A fitness buff and Vegas fan. Sam enjoys shows, bargains, and cheap healthy eats.
3 thoughts on “Is “One Epic Night” A Slam-Dunk For Plaza Hotel?”
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Bring back Nudes On Ice. Now that was a show.
Went to see the show last night. Didn’t stay to the end. Volume could be cut by half and maybe help save the show. We are locals and prefer avoiding the Strip except for the shows, which are great when they are well designed ……not to be too critical, but this was more of a high school production than top-of- line as appeared to be indicated by the column writers.
Tacky neighborhood, tacky stage, tacky costumes, tacky lines. Shortly after the show started we were gassed by a diesel exhaust into the room. Sound system was for a room 5 times the size, and it hurt my ears so much I had to leave after about 45 minutes. I know the performers were trying to please everyone, but it seemed to be the wrong venue, time and place.
It beats Lovers or Losers where the Losers are the winners of timeshare prizes! :-)