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Stratosphere tribute artists are real deal in American Superstars

The Patty Duke Show, which ran on ABC for several years in the early- to mid-1960s, was introed bya catchy theme song describing the sitcom’s two main characters: “Still they’re cousins, identical cousins and you’ll find, they laugh alike, they walk alike, at times they even talk alike/You can loose your mind, when cousins are two of a kind.”

Duke famously played the role of both cousins.

Enter the American Superstars tribute show at Stratosphere Las Vegas where five talented performers convincingly reproduce the vibe of Elvis, Brittany Spears, Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood and Michael Jackson. When these tribute performers take the stage, entertainment moves far beyond identical cousins; they earn audience admiration through an abundance of laugh alike, walk alike, talk alike talent and their impersonations are as close to the real deal as it comes without having DNA from the same parent pair as the stars they honor.

Elvis tribute artist “Darin” for example is winner of the World Elvis Competition. His swinging hips and other gyrations are reminiscent of the King’s Vegas performances of the 1970s. “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” and Burnin’ Love” are high-energy, leg-busting, cardio workouts that begin with the rabble-rousing “Viva Las Vegas.” Pompadour? Check. Lip tremble? Check. Sweaty silk neckerchief–see for yourself!

“Abby” brings sexy back in her rendition of Brittany Spears. She forays into the audience and makes full use of the stage in all of its parts including a staired rear-stage area occupied in part by the spirited four-member American Superstars Band. Abby cranks-out six songs from the Spears hit list with goodly amounts of passion. And she integrates almost as many costume changes in her act although the performance doesn’t skip a beat as she enters and exists because the equally sexy American Superstars Dancers provide fantastic eye-candy and keep the rhythm moving.

 

Tim McGraw, the hunky, country music chart-topping cowboy with a string of over 40 million units sold, is performed by handsome tribute artist “Chad.” Dressed from pointed boot to rounded signature Stetson in Johnny Cash black, Chad sings four memorable hits and in all the loving twang of a country artist. When a barstool magically appears on stage, he let’s the audience know he’s going to take it down a notch with the philosophical “Live Like You Were Dying.” Country boys have a way with words.

But on this night, not one day after his unexpected passing, it was Michael Jackson tribute artist Frederick Henry who got much of the attention.

“I’ve toured 14 different countries as Michael Jackson,” said Damian during a short on-stage break after giving the audience “Billie Jean” and “Beat it” from Jackson’s 1980s chart busters. “I have much love and respect for Michael. I’d like to applaud him tonight. Michael will live forever. Can I get an amen?”

Henry, who just one week prior started his gig as an American Superstar tribute artist, gave the audience a stellar performance as the King of Pop and the crowd was on its feet in sweet reverie albeit still in shock over the loss of Michael. Damien helped soothe their pain by celebrating his music and artistry.

American Superstars is a stage show that rivals more expensive performances along Las Vegas Boulevard in the delivery of superb entertainment value. The four-member American Superstars Band plays live and covers their rhythms with exceptional ability. So too the American Superstars Dancers; costuming and choreography are very well executed. The 648-seat “Theater of the Stars” is a modern venue with a technologically advanced sound and lighting system. Add concert-sized video screens to the left and right of the stage and the viewer doesn’t miss a thing. In fact, on-the-fly editing of the live performance makes the video broadcast a show in its own right.

Overall these performing cousins are one-of-a-kind.

By Jay Barber, Catalina Media Group