Tribute to Elton and Joel is way better than it has any right to be…
Tribute shows rarely get the respect that they deserve. It takes a massive amount of talent to physically transform into a well-known entertainer, then deliver spot-on performances in song and dance. Sometimes tribute shows are even better than the real thing…a joyous experience without the exorbitant prices, ego-fueled antics, or notorious late starts (I’m looking at you, Madonna).
Celebrity impersonators have been a mainstay in Las Vegas for decades, and LEGENDS IN CONCERT is the longest-running show in the city. In 2019, I named V Theater‘s Gaga/Britney/Madonna tribute Blond Invasion as “the ultimate pop-diva experience” and “Biggest Surprise of the Year”.
With all that’s happened this year, there’s no telling when concerts and superstar residencies will return. So imagine my joy, in this era of pandemic madness, in discovering a new show that delivers everything the biggest names can…except for a certificate of authenticity. That’s Kyle Martin’s PIANO MAN at Mosaic Theater on the Strip.
You might not be familiar with Mosaic Theater, but you should be. I’ll publish a dedicated column on this unique, COVID-conscious venue very soon. Mosaic has become a shining beacon for show-starved audiences. It currently offers three separate productions, including Queens of Rock and the sexy Aussie Heat, with more on the way.
You might remember the short-lived PIANO MAN at Planet Hollywood‘s V THEATER. That version featured a quartet of singers that bopped and swayed through a lively medley of Elton John, Billy Joel, and Barry Manilow. Backed by a terrific seven-piece band, stars Brett Pruneau, Russel Francis, Savannah Smith and Sophia Monica winningly delivered the hits, but no actual piano.
Mosaic Theater‘s PIANO MAN takes quite a different approach. A grand onstage keyboard is the heart of this production, and star Kyle Martin delivers its soul. The former Californian cut his teeth on Disney stages and as Billy Joel in Broadway’s MOVIN’ OUT. He’s also covered the west coast with JOEL, his own tribute band.
It’s to the show’s advantage that Martin isn’t necessarily familiar to Vegas audiences yet. He enters the stage in character, and his physical resemblance to the hitmaker is noteworthy. But it’s Martin’s remarkable keyboard skills that might fool you into thinking that you’re in the presence of stardom.
Pounding out a rapid-fire “Angry Young Man”, Kyle launches on a high note followed by chart-toppers like “We Didn’t Start The Fire” and “Uptown Girl”. “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” provides one of the few mellow moments…the Billy Joel parade rarely slows down.
After such a spot-on first set, I was skeptical that Martin could shift gears to the foppish whimsey of Elton John, but my concerns were unfounded. Donning a pair of flashy goggles and flashier shoulder pads, the beefy singer/songwriter brings the house down with “I’m Still Standing”, “Benny and the Jets” and “Tiny Dancer”.
Martin’s four-piece band is an excellent assemblage. Each member gets their turn in the spotlight. Percussionist Daniel Sia, bass player Steve Bonacci, saxophonist Jeff Teczon, and Liam Hemsworth lookalike Luke Randall on guitar are all flawless. Sexy dancers Sarah Le Clear-Domingo (see profile here) and Nadia Albulet dazzle in costumes created by legendary BAZ alumnus Blair Farrington, who also oversees visuals. The entire team appears to be having one hell of a good time.
At just the right length, the 75-minute concert winds down with a segment that’s unusual for tribute shows. After two sets performing as the featured headliners, Martin addresses the audience as himself. A charismatic and humble “everyman”, he offers a little insight into his career and shares a few family photos. Then the whole thing comes together in an explosive finale.
Nothing brings people together like live entertainment, and MOSAIC‘s new show is a labor of love that hits all the right notes. PIANO MAN will send you into the night with a smile on your face and a song or two in your heart.
PIANO MAN performs Thursday through Monday at 8:30pm. Click here for tickets. MOSAIC THEATER is located at 3765 Las Vegas Blvd, just north of HARD ROCK LIVE and across from PARK MGM Hotel Casino.
VEGAS UNFILTERED BLOG by Sam Novak 
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