OBSERVER: Legends In Concert
Legends in Concert, presented by The Harbour Agency, has returned to The Palms at Crown Casino in Southbank for its eighth Melbourne season.
Legends’ popularity is evident through its 1983 Las Vegas debut to being revered as the longest-running Vegas show. Melbourne annually welcomes Legends back to The Palms which provides the perfect concert/cabaret Las Vegas style venue.
This is impressionist musical entertainment at its best. From the Legends’ live band of bass, drum and keyboard lead by the pre-eminent electric guitarist/musical director George Safire to individual singer/entertainers backed by the company’s professional, sassy dancers, plus two melodic female vocalists, we see world-class performances. Each artist’s interpretation breathes life into the genius of legendary superstars.
The 2025 concert sees Elizabeth Burnett as a spirited, polished Taylor Swift contrasted to Stacey Witton Summers’ spike-heeled, gritty 80’s rock star Pat Benatar. Karen Hester gives a decisive staging of Dolly Parton personified in her voice, costume and physique with pure Dolly accent thrown in. Trisha McCluney convinces that the real Cher is performing with her facial and body countenance and vocal renditions of the star over decades. She showcases Cher inviting a male audience member to sing with her onstage. We see a consummate performance in Josh Smith’s crooning voice, easy stage movements and gestures as Micheal Buble. Jazmine’s forceful vocal performance is a credible Whitney Houston. The night naturally rises to a crescendo when Bill Cherry as the King of Rock, Elvis, has the persona down to a tee with deep voice, pure white tight bejewelled pants suit and leg trembles.
This night of dazzling spectacle is highlighted by the dancers’ myriad of glitzy costume changes, brilliant high-tech lighting effects on giant video screens and surround sound.
Review by Sherryn Danaher

