Stage: Spotlight

Dim Spotlight

By Barbara Scherzer

Variety is the backbone of this city, especially in production shows along the Strip corridor. So it was welcome news when I heard of a new all-variety show called Spotlight. Featuring five acts that rotate weekly, the performers briefly strut their stuff during a 70-minute show. Perhaps because of the brevity of their spots--roughly 10 minutes per--these artists fail to offer up many intricate or innovative moments during their Spotlight time.

The Kold Characters open the show with their fluid break-dancing. To the accompaniment of Michael Jackson tracks, four young men spin and jump around the tiny stage. Although the guys move well, the small stage constrains their performances so that only two members of the troupe can occupy the stage at any one time. Their range of movement is restricted as well. It would be refreshing to see what this group could do if stage space was not a limitation.

Space was not a hindrance for singer May Susan Reed. Sporting a red dress, Reed has fun delivering her sultry request: "I Want a Hanky Panky Man" that contains the lyrics "I don't want you to thank me/ just spank me." Later in the show, she returns to give a husky rendition of "All That Jazz" from Chicago.

Magician Greg Steele has a good sense of humor and works well with the youngsters whom he plucks onstage to help him pull off a trick. However, Steele's routine consists primarily of appearing and disappearing doves and other common illusions, and he reveals nothing that would help him stand out from others doing close-up magic in this city. Escape artist Tyas Frantz successfully breaks out of a straightjacket in less than two minutes but suffers from the lack of a charismatic stage presence.

Spotlight co-producer Michael Johns is a genial guy and also serves as the show's master of ceremonies. Unfortunately, he repeatedly introduces the acts with pleas for applause for the performers rather than focusing on comedy. Another problem is the microphone volume, which is set way too loud. Co-producer Will Roya, who also juggles and performs other variety roles, said this is intentional to overcome ambient noise from the casino. In addition, some of the performers compound the problem by holding their mics too close to their mouths. If these missteps are fixed, this show could have a shot at more time in the Spotlight.