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The Big Shows: Céline Dion & Elton John
By: Ellen Sterling May. 03, 2007
Céline Dion, now into the final year of her five-year run in "A New Day" at Caesars Palace, is an absolutely must-see show because it is really and truly an "only in Las Vegas" experience.
The show is opulent, designed and directed by Franco Dragone who started in the spectacle business with Cirque du Soleil. The visuals are stunning and the stage is huge. Dion's big voice keeps up with what's happening although, sometimes, she disappears into the opulence, completely lost to the audience, which has to really look closely to find her.
Céline is gracious, a lovely hostess who sings many of her hits. Every moment is scripted and, watching, one gets the feeling that she is at times constrained by that script which does not allow her to be herself.
She's got that big voice and it is backed by a cast of about 50 and works in front of a video screen — used stunningly well — that is 39 feet tall. The three-dimensional effects alone leave one breathless.
Out of all the big hits, the big arrangements, my favorite was a charming relatively quiet version of "I've Got the World On A String." Backed by balloons, it was…well…sweet.
On the other hand, her rendition of "Seduce Me," surrounded by shirtless men, was kind of icky. No matter how hard anyone tries, Céline will never be a "Seduce Me" sex symbol. She projects talent and glaring niceness. That staging was just uncomfortable to watch.
On the whole, though, the high price — topping out at $204.55 — doesn't seem to leave people feeling like they didn't get their money's worth. Judging from the comments overheard in the exiting crowd the audience was pleased.
Like the song about her heart, Céline will go on. But, in Las Vegas, only until the end of the year. See her here while you can.
When Ms. Dion is not working at the Colosseum Theater, Elton John's "The Red Piano" takes over. It's a good news-bad news situation. First, the good news.
He does all his hits backed by his terrific band. Photographer David LaChapelle has filled the big screen with some amazing images. The video, especially for "Rocket Man" is a disturbing glimpse into what it must be like to be a superstar. It ain't easy. His tribute to Marilyn Monroe, "Candle In the Wind," is likewise a disturbing look at destructive fame.
It is a visually and vocally arresting show.
The bad news? Well, the Caesars Palace website hints heavily at it with this disclaimer:
"Please note that The Red Piano is designed with a Vegas theme and mature audiences in mind. The video imagery that accompanies the music may at times be considered risqué, and includes montage style scenes that include brief frontal nudity. The Video content is designed within the context of the songs and overall theme of the show."
These videos contained a strong undercurrent of misogyny and, worst of all, are the huge inflatable props. On one side of the stage is a huge banana, blown up to full size with two ripe cherries nestled at its base. On the other side, a companion banana and its cherries, this one with the banana skin partially peeled back. And, at the side of the stage, hovering over the audience like a sword of Damocles is a huge inflatable breast.
Why?
Anyway, diehard Elton fans seemed to love the show. Fan reviews online encourage people to look beyond the not-too-subtle symbolism and enjoy the music. That is very difficult to do.
For tickets and more information, go to www.harrahs.com/casinos
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