Wayne Newton: Sharing His History With Las Vegas

Wayne Newton first came to Las Vegas on the bus from Arizona as a 17 year-old in 1959. In the 50 years since, he's become as much a part of the city as, say, Broadway is part of New York. Performing here over the years, Newton earned the sobriquet "Mr. Las Vegas" and has served as a representative of his adopted home in many arenas. But, the largest of those arenas is, of course, entertainment.

To celebrate these years of achievement, Newton is performing at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Once Before I Go, his career retrospective that begins, as he recounts the story, on May 15, 1959 when a (full-sized) bus, the Phoenix Express, comes onstage and a a young man emerges. Met by the talent booker, the young man is told he'll be doing six shows a night, six nights a week. And, he's handed a tuxedo. The bus pulls away, the booker leaves and the young man walks therough the door upstage that is marked with a star. The door opens a few seconds later and Wayne Newton emerges...still dressed in a tux.

He opens the music portion of the show with what has to be the most sincere rendition of Viva Las Vegas imaginable. He talks then about his life: There have been "a lot of ups and a few downs. It's those ups and downs that make a life."

Born in Virginia, his severe asthma caused the family to move to Arizona where he began singing with his brother. From there he was discovered and played Las Vegas, the Copa (the lounge, not the main room) and hither and yon for all these years. He's recorded 165 albums ("I'm old enought to call them albums.") and numbers among his hits such songs as Summer Wind, Daddy Don't You Walk So Fast, Red Roses for a Blue Lady and the first one —the song with which he's most closely identified today — Danke Schoen.

Since being rejected for military service in Vietnam, he has made it a habit to do USO tours during every war — he's done 12 in the last two years alone — and, in 2001, succeeded Bob Hope as chair of the USO Celebrity Circle. He's won numerous honors and has, over the years, maintained a large fan base.

Once Before I Go is Wayne Newton's walk down memory lane, recreating and reliving his most cherished stage memories for his audience. On this walk, we meet The Mills Brothers, Dean Martin, Lucille Ball, Sammy Davis, Jr., President Ronald Reagan, Elvis and a host of others about whom he reminisces using photos and/or video clips. He also makes it clear that his fans — and the audience is filled with them — are critically important to him and that he loves entertaining.

On this journey Newton is joined by a very good 20-piece orchestra and three singers. One of the latter, Francis Lee, shines in a duet of the glorious lament, At This Moment. Also joining him onstage in a lovely moment are members of the local Las Vegas St. Viator School choir. There are scenery changes and the show has a book. The evening has been constructed with attention and care.

The partiotic facet of the entertainer comes out strong in the second half of the almost two-hour show as he talks about President Reagan; about The Beach Boys/James Watt July 4 concert controversy of 1983, about touring for the USO; when he asked veterans ("from every country") to stand and when he sang the beautiful American Trilogy.

He ends the evening with the title song which is from the show, The Boy From Oz. The lyric says, "Once before I go I want you to know, That I would do it all again. I'm sure I'd make the same mistakes, But I could make it through, The pains and joys and aches, I knew back then. I'd do it all, I'd do it all again."

He leaves little doubt that he would.

Wayne Newton — although he does not have the voice he had 50 years ago (but so few do, right?)— is the compleat showman. He sings, plays several instruments with considerable skill and even dances a bit. His is a commanding stage presence and, at the end, he is granted a prolonged and enthusiastic standing ovation by the audience.

Through all of this there is one thing that is crystal clear — Wayne Newton's had a wonderful time and, watching him onstage you will, too. The show is pure fun and, really, since he is such an integral part of the Las Vegas landscape, you should see it if for no other reason then it is living history.

For tickets call 1-800-829-9034. Tickets are priced at $79.99 and $99.99. An exclusive VIP Package is available for $149.99, and includes: a "golden circle" seat; a meet-and-greet and photo with Wayne Newton.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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