Charo is one of a few headliners whose name has adorned a Vegas marquee in one-word fashion, alongside Frank, Elvis, Wayne, and Cher. However, experiencing Charo’s high level of energy and enthusiasm in person might lead one to believe there are two performers on stage. Perhaps the marquee outside should read, Charo-Charo.
She is a seasoned entertainer and remains in remarkably good shape, never loosing an ounce of her spunky energy during the ninety minute, fast-paced show. At a recent performance at the Riviera Hotel, she even demonstrated her fitness and vigor with a half dozen, accurately executed jumping jacks in three-inch heels, all while smiling for an admiring crowd.
But she’s not just an athlete; she can also deliver a one-liner with punch.
“I look like a cucaracha with diarrhea,” she says, referring to the stringy, black dress she was wearing. And about her pouty lips, she confirms, “No, I have not had lip augmentation–big mouths run in the family.” She then humorously acknowledges to the audience that English is not her first language. She hails from the Iberian Peninsula.
Nevertheless, music and dance are the real cornerstones of her show.
Charo sings several selections and displays movements one might see on “Dancing with the Stars” even while descending from the stage into the audience for some face time with fans.
She introduces a supporting cast of five she refers to as “the best flamenco dancers in the world.” With barely much room on stage for five people to stand, much less perform, the group breaks into up-tempo footwork from Spain’s Andalusia region. One dancer with amplified “tap shoes” takes center stage and performs what could be considered a world-class flamenco ballet; the audience hears every strike of the sole and heel through the house speakers. What a beautiful cascade of rhythmic steps.
Charo demonstrates a studied command of classical and flamenco guitar, a skill she learned from maestro Andrés Segovia as a young girl. With this mastery, she delivers the show’s climax, dressed in a classy sequined tuxedo that accentuates her gorgeous shape. Her skillful rendition of Ravel’s Bolero truly places her among the most accomplished guitarists.
Some entertainers earn their applause the old fashioned way. Charo is among them. She provides electrifying entertainment without smoke and mirrors, lasers or a fog machine. Like many headliners, she carries the whole show, succeeding using her finely tuned talents, high energy, commanding charisma, and physical stamina.
It’s nice to see her name in lights on a Vegas marquee again, even if doesn’t read Charo-Charo.