Review: Donny & Marie Share Their New Show in Sandy

Utah's beloved Osmond siblings Donny & Marie hit the stage of the Sandy Amphitheater on July 18, 2018 in an encore engagement of their Las Vegas show, newly updated with exciting changes for its 10th anniversary. They put on a thoroughly entertaining concert with high production values that was filled with nostalgia while remaining current and relevant.

The stars of stage and screen proved why they are still so successful after five decades in show business. Both their vocals were on point and in their prime. Throughout the evening, Donny & Marie displayed astonishing power, clarity, and versatility as they transitioned from rock to pop to country to Broadway to opera.

Even the song selection provided sheer entertainment. The show included both duet and solo sets and featured a head-spinning number of tunes, including their own hits such as "Paper Roses" and "Puppy Love," as well as cleverly arranged medleys that highlighted hit songs from many different eras while subtly interpolating others.

The focus of this new iteration of the show is on giving Donny & Marie the chance to share portions of many more of their hit songs from throughout the years. These medleys brought on nostalgia for the audience (especially when paired with original music videos and other footage) and also demonstrated the breadth and depth of their long careers from Osmond Brothers hits such as "One Bad Apple" and "Yo-Yo" to their recent successes separately and together, including their number one duet "A Beautiful Life."

After 6,000 performances in the leading role of JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, Donny (who also played Gaston in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST on Broadway) was amply prepared to give a stirring performance of "Close Every Door," bookended by praise for Andrew Lloyd Webber as a producer and stories of his character's infamous loincloth. The highlight of the evening was the newly added "I'll Make a Man Out of You," which Donny performed in Disney's MULAN. He sang only a portion of the song in the concert, leaving the audience wishing for more.

Not to be outdone, Marie followed with a full Broadway medley featuring the stage roles she has taken on, with "Getting to Know You" from THE KING AND I and the title song from THE SOUND OF MUSIC. She finished it off with production numbers "All That Jazz" from CHICAGO and the title song from CABARET.

The sound design was absolutely fabulous, as it heightened the strengths of each of their voices and rendered them crystal clear.

The siblings' well-known personalities shone as they conversed with the audience and ribbed one another with hilarious faux bickering and witty banter.

Their dancers (recently awarded as the best in Las Vegas) were a great addition, allowing Donny & Marie to showcase their significant dance abilities (as seen on successful runs on DANCING WITH THE STARS).

The lighting design was top-notch, and the costumes (including a significant number of changes) were deliciously, sparklingly over the top. Every element combined to support the larger-than-life talents and personalities of Donny & Marie.

If you are a fan of the Osmonds, you owe it to yourself to see Donny & Marie in their new show in Las Vegas or on tour.

The Sandy Amphitheater will present a number of varied musical and comedy acts this year, including (it just so happens) the Sandy Arts Guild's production of JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT from August 3 to 11. For more information, and to buy tickets, visit www.sandyamp.com.

Photo Credit: L-R Donny & Marie

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