BWW Reviews: Eric Jordan Young: SHAKIN'

As I've noted here before - and voters in the BroadwayWorld.com poll of Las Vegas showgoers have twice decreed when his was twice voted Best Performance By A Lead Actor In A Musical for Vegas! The Show - Eric Jordan Young is a super-talented man.

Now, after playing almost four years in Vegas! The Show, Young says his dream has come true: he has his own show on the Las Vegas Strip. And his dream is a reward for all of us. His show is Shakin' and it opened last week at Planet Hollywood's Sin City Theatre.

In Eric Jordan Young, Broadway meets the Las Vegas Strip. And it is a joyous meeting. A member of the original Broadway casts of Ragtime and Seussical, Young spent his time in road companies and the Roundabout's The Look of Love., an acting veteran who's been on numerous TV shows (Ugly Betty, Law and Order: Criminal Intent, among them). He's performed at the Smith Center for the Arts, Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Cenyer and others across the USA.

Entering from the back of the 275-seat theater, Young begins with the title song of the show. Billed as "Classic Vegas With A Twist," Shakin' vividly recalls the work of such as Frank Sinatra, Louis Prima and Sammy Davis, Jr. That is absolutely not to say Eric Jordan Young is an impersonator. He is himself paying tribute to these greats.

Young is credited as the creator of the show, with Rick Pessagno serving as co-director, Gerry McIntyre as choreographer, Tommy James as music arranger, Justin Cheathamas as technical director and Deb Davey as costume designer.

Joining him are dancers Sarah Short and Claudia Mitria. His wonderful band is Alec Bart music director and keyboards; Brian Bissell, guitar; Russ Shackelford, drums and Blaise Sison II, bass. Everyone onstage with Young appeared most naturally to be having a wonderful time.

Among the songs he performs are "I've Got You Under My Skin;" "Got A Lot of Livin' To Do;" "Keep Your Eye On the Sparrow;" "Up, Up and Away;" "Rollin' On the River;" "Just A Gigolo;" "Mr. Bojangles.;" and, even, an old Alka Seltzer commercial. As the song called for it, Young danced or changed costumes.

The 70-minute show passed by quickly - not one dulll instant - and drew a few well-deserved standing ovations.

Shakin' is performed Saturday through Wednesday at Planet Hollywood's Sin City Theatre on the mezzanine level. Tickets are $54.95 (VIP) or $44.95 (GA). You can purchase them here: http://www.ticketmaster.com/search?tm_link=tm_homeA_header_search&user_input=shakin&q=shakin or call 855.234.7469 or 702.777.2782. Group rates are available for parties of 10 or more, please call 1.866.574-385.

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